Image by Getty

By Thea Glassman February 22, 2017

Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, President Trump’s pick for national security adviser, once paid an unexpected homage to George Costanza.

Jake Tapper unearthed a clip of McMaster making a Seinfeld reference while discussing military strategy back in 2015.

“The time that Lt Gen McMaster compared Rapid Decisive Operations to George Costanza leaving on a high note,” Tapper tweeted.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

The time that Lt Gen McMaster compared Rapid Decisive Operations to George Costanza leaving on a high note https://t.co/f0NcKAROEE

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 21, 2017

In the clip, McMaster explained a military strategy in terms of a classic George Costanza move: always “leav[ing] on a high note.”

For those of you who aren’t diehard Seinfeld fans, he’s referring to the show’s episode “The Burning,” when George learns to always leave the room after he’s made a particularly good zinger.

The mention wasn’t lost on Jason Alexander, who took to Twitter to address McMaster’s shout-out.

“Yes, I’m so proud….. dear God 🙁 ,” Alexander wrote.

Yes, I”m so proud….. dear God 🙁 https://t.co/XCDsra52Dz

— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) February 21, 2017

After receiving flack from Trump supporters for his seemingly negative response, Alexander followed up with a clarifier.

“My comment intended no disrespect to Gen. McMaster, who seems a fine man,” Alexander wrote. “Just the weirdness of any leader quoting George.”

And lastly, my comment intended no disrespect to Gen. McMaster, who seems a fine man. Just the weirdness of any leader quoting “George”.

— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) February 22, 2017

Thea Glassman is an Associate Editor at the Forward. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @theakglassman.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount