Gen. McMaster Gave A Shout-Out To George Costanza — And Jason Alexander Responded
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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.
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.
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