Joseph Verner Reed Jr., Protocol Chief Who Presided Over Colorful Gaffe, Dies at 78 While under President George Bush, Mr. Reed was part of ‘the talking hat’ affair, a slip-up that entered the annals of diplomatic history. Share: Facebook Twitter Google+ Stumble Digg Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to Facebook Related Posts:Trump Accuses China of Interfering in Midterm ElectionsTrump Accuses China of Interfering in MidtermsBritain’s Big Squeeze: In Britain, Even Children Are Feeling the Effects of AusterityA Beluga Whale Surfaces in the Thames, and Britain MarvelsTrump Vows to Release Mideast Peace Plan Within 4 MonthsNew Zealand Prime Minister Brings Her Baby to the U.N.