MovieChat Forums > Nixon (1996) Discussion > How about Powers Boothe?

How about Powers Boothe?

posted 10 years ago by rgibson-20
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Others have correctly pointed to other fine performances in this film, and I have to throw Boothe, as Alexander Haig, into the mix. I lived through, and followed, the Nixon years and the Reagan assassination attempt - after which Haig announced he was in control at the White House, though a guy named George Bush was wandering around somewhere. From what I've read, Boothe was pretty darn good at portraying the steely resolve of General Haig.

BTW, if many accounts, including Woodward and Bernstein, are correct, Gen. Haig may have held the government together when it could have descended into chaos. Haig may have actually been a hero.

[–] mobile-707 10 years ago

Haig's two main tasks were to help engineer a smooth transition between Nixon and Ford, and then urge Ford to pardon Nixon. Haig got both of these things right, IMHO.

When Haig said, "I'm in charge here" he specifically said that was only until VP Bush -- who was in flight back to D.C. (starting from Houston, IIRC) -- arrived back at the White House. All in all, I think Haig's influence on the Reagan Admin. was mostly negative, but he got blasted for that comment far more than he should have been.

Agree that Powers Boothe effectively captured the low-key arrogance of the man. Excellent performance.