" Fearing the worst , National Security Adviser Richard Allen has ordered that the special briefcase known as ' the football , ' which contains the nuclear launch codes that could begin WWIII , be brought to him . It now sits on a conference table here in the Situation Room , safely concealed beneath a small pile of papers .
Suddenly , General Alexander Haig takes charge . The Secretary of State , who has long sought to expand his power , appoints himself temporary president .
" The helm is right here , " he declares to the startled Cabinet members . " And that means in this chair , right now , constitutionally until the Vice President gets here . "
Haig , an intimidating man , looks around , daring anyone to dispute him . Constitutionally , the general is incorrect . Speaker of the house Tip O'Neill should be next in line . But no one in the Situation Room cares to defy the former four - star army general who fought in Vietnam and Korea .
" How do you get to the press room ? " he asks , rising from his chair .
The room goes silent . Before anyone can stop him , Haig races upstairs and barges into the press center . Knees buckling , voice cracking , and hands grasping the lectern so hard his knuckles turn white , Alexander Haig proclaims his authority to the nation on live TV .
" As of now , I am in control here in the White House . "