Seriously, folks. (Mort Sahl supporting Alexander Haig for president) (editorial)

Nation, The, April, 1987

SERIOUSLY, FOLKS

Last week former Secretary of State AlexanderHaig tossed his helmet in the ring, to quote comedian Mort Sahl, who had earlier thrown his support behind the general. The New York Times devoted more space to Sahl's announcement than to Haig's, which was only fitting. Haig has had his eyes on the prize ever since the attempted assassination of President Reagan, when he intoned, "As of now, I am in control here.'

In contrast, Sahl's decision to be Haig's comedian-in-residencecame as a surprise, because he was widely considered to be a liberal Democrat. We ...