Quote

You might be a cunning linguist, but I am a master debater.

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
Masters
Funny
Might
Linguist
Linguists
Cunning
Master

More quotes by Donald Rumsfeld

Image
Do you have any regrets? Of course I do.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
I think it's very useful for you folks (reporters) to try your damndest to be precise. And don't repeat things that are inaccurate if you can possibly avoid it. And when you see things that are inaccurate, knock them down -- because there's a bucket of it floating around.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
After the German abstention at the UN, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle commented that Germany doesn't always have to stand on the side of its traditional allies. Berlin can look for new partners all over the world.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Keep your sense of humor. As General Joe Stillwell said, 'The higher a monkey climbs, the more you see of his behind'.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
No. That's someone else's business. Quagmire is - I don't do quagmires.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.
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
Certainty without power can be interesting, even amusing. Certainty with power can be dangerous.
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
It's a difficult thing today to be informed about our government even without all the secrecy.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
We do know that the Iraqi regime has chemical and biological weapons. His regime has amassed large, clandestine stockpiles of chemical weapons - including VX, sarin, cyclosarin and mustard gas. His regime has amassed large, clandestine stockpiles of biological weapons—including anthrax and botulism toxin, and possibly smallpox.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Then there are three or four countries that have said they won't do anything. I believe Libya, Cuba and Germany are ones that have indicated they won't help in any respect.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Don't do or say things you would not like to see on the front page of The Washington Post.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
Imagine, a September 11 with weapons of mass destruction. It's not 3,000. It's tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
I didn't advocate invasion...I wasn't asked.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
We don't seek empires.We're not imperialistic.
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
Most US presidents since World War II have led military actions without a declaration of war by Congress, though most, if not all, have properly consulted and sought support from Congress. That is the wise thing to do.
Donald Rumsfeld
Image
When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.
Donald Rumsfeld