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Donald Rumsfeld

Donald Rumsfeld Quotes

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense

Donald Rumsfeld is a prominent American politician who served as the United States Secretary of Defense twice. Born on July 9, 1932, Rumsfeld has extensive experience in political and military affairs, leading key national security and defense policies.

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All Ifs People President Iraq Knows Country War Thinking May Weapons World Wells Decision Weapons Of Mass Destruction Want Destruction Mass Destruction Trying Helping Looks

Famous Donald Rumsfeld Quotes

“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.”

Believe Said Country Helping Three I Believe Four Germany Cuba Libya

Author:Donald Rumsfeld

“When business accepts help from the government, it can be like going to bed with a hippopotamus. It's nice and warm for the moment, but then your bedmate rolls over and crushes you.”

Moments Helping Government Money Accepting Nice Bed Warm Crush Hippopotamus

Author:Donald Rumsfeld

“The United States, as all you know, did not come to Iraq for oil, not to occupy. We came here only to help.”

Knows States Helping United United States Iraq Oil

Author:Donald Rumsfeld

“In our system leadership is by consent, not command. To lead a President must persuade. Personal contacts and experiences help shape his thinking. They can be critical to his persuasiveness and thus to his leadership.”

Thinking Helping President Leadership Shapes Critical Command Contact Consent

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When errors occur, give sharper guidance. If errors persist or if the fit feels wrong, help them move on. The country cannot afford amateur hour in the White House.”

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help.”

Trying Firsts Helping President Fine Manage Plenty

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps engender the support decisions need to be successfully implemented.”

Needs Ideas Helping Decision Support Perspective Tests Hearing Range Marketplace Consultation

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs.”

Knows Trying Helping Mistake Originals Corners Administration Rope Predecessors

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“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.”

Trying Helping President Decision Answers Issues Policy Raises Arise Range Guidance Evoke Precedent

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

About the Author

Born: July 9, 1932
Known for: Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
Quotes: 224

Related Topics

Ifs People President Iraq Knows Country War Thinking May Weapons World Wells Decision Weapons Of Mass Destruction Want Destruction Mass Destruction Trying Helping Looks

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People Ifs Thinking Knows Men World Way Want Love Life Inspirational Needs Giving Feels Should Writing Trying Years Mind Firsts

Books & Sources

Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001Related source material

Known and Unknown: A MemoirRelated source material

The World According to RummyRelated source material

Known and UnknownRelated source material

Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and LifeRelated source material

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