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Haig knew that Watergate was taking a terrible physical toll of Nixon. The viral pneumonia was the first signal. Yet Nixon could come back to his peak. Said Haig: "The President performed brilliantly in the Middle East and Russia."
When Haig learned of the last transcript, he knew Nixon was finished. He believes Nixon knew it too. Some others in the White House did not. Haig moved through the murk. The question that concerned him most was whether the country was ready for the events ahead, and Haig moved skillfully to get the tapes out and bring the country abreast of them.
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Haig retains admiration for Nixon in that dark hour. "There was every idea imaginable around," he declared, "including the idea that Nixon should pardon himself and everybody else." There were only two options seriously considered. The first was to resign unconditionally, as he did, or see it through and let the system work to the end. He knew the outcome. He felt an obligation to the country."
Haig never worried about Nixon or anybody in the White House turning to the military to preserve his power. "The danger was from outside forces—that from so much frustration somebody would take events into his hands and use extraconstitutional means or some distortion of the 25th Amendment. The country was very fortunate in the outcome. I am at peace with myself. The system works. We have seen a total transfer of power in a way that brings us nothing but hope for the future."
Haig was for the Nixon pardon. But he was not responsible for Ford's granting it, he insisted. "Had I been asked to be an advocate, I would have been. I was never asked."
Haig is wiser now than when he came to the White House 17 months ago. He still is a fighter. He goes to the NATO command with relish, despite criticism. And even with some humor. Henry Kissinger came into Haig's office the other day, when the morning papers were filled with accusations against Haig. "The trouble with Haig," said Kissinger, "is that he is always improving his image." The two friends exploded with laughter.