Quote

Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered key aspects of the issue.

Donald Rumsfeld

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Donald Rumsfeld
Age: 88 †
Born: 1932
Born: July 9
Died: 2021
Died: June 29
Author
Businessperson
Diplomat
Former U.S. Secretary Of Defense
Military Officer
Politician
Chicago
Illinois
Donald Henry Rumsfeld
Issues
Aspects
Hasn
Disagree
Presidential
Directives
Considered
Automatically
Issue
Suspect
Keys
Obey
Aspect
Suspects

More quotes by Donald Rumsfeld

Image
I don't believe anyone that I know in the administration ever said that Iraq had nuclear weapons.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
No. That's someone else's business. Quagmire is - I don't do quagmires.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
And there is, I am certain, among the Iraqi people a respect for the care and the precision that went into the bombing campaign.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Success tends to go not to the person who is error-free, because he also tends to be risk-averse. Rather it goes to the person who recognizes that life is pretty much a percentage business. It isn't making mistakes that's critical it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Many people around the President have sizeable egos before entering government, some with good reason. Their new positions will do little to moderate their egos.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
If you develop rules, never have more than ten.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Is it likely that an aircraft carrier or a cruise missile is going to find a person?
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
There will be good moments, and there will be less good moments.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
... something under $50 billion for the cost. How much of that would be the U.S. burden, and how much would be other countries, is an open question.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
A few. . . critics are the only people I ever heard use the phrase 'imminent threat.' I didn't, the president didn't.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
One of your tasks is to separate the 'personal' from the 'substantive.' The two can become confused, especially if someone rubs the President wrong.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
There are a lot of people who lie and get away with it, and that's just a fact.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
We do have a saying in America: if you're in a hole, stop digging ..... erm, I'm not sure I should have said that.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Amidst all the clutter, beyond all the obstacles, aside from all the static, are the goals set. Put your head down, do the best job possible, let the flak pass, and work towards those goals.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
I stand for 8-10 hours a day. Why is standing limited to four hours?
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Freedom's untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad things.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Treat each federal dollar as if it was hard earned it was - by a taxpayer.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Certainty without power can be interesting, even amusing. Certainty with power can be dangerous.
Donald Rumsfeld