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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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Famous Donald Rumsfeld Quotes

“In unanimity there may well be either cowardice or uncritical thinking.”

Thinking Wells May Cowardice Critical Thinking Unanimity

Author:Donald Rumsfeld

“If a person is determined to fight to the death, then they may very well have that opportunity.”

Ifs Wells May Persons Fighting Opportunity Determined

Author:Donald Rumsfeld

“From where you sit, the White House may look as untidy as the inside of a stomach. As is said of the legislative process, sausage-making and policy-making shouldn't be seen close-up. Don't let that panic you. Things may be going better than they look from the inside.”

Looks May Said House Process White Policy White House Stomach Panic Sausage Policy Making Legislative Process

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

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

“Have a deputy and develop a successor. Don't be consumed by the job or you'll risk losing your balance. Keep your mooring lines to the outside world - family, friends, neighbors, people out of government, and people who may not agree with you.”

People World May Government Jobs Lines Risk Balance Losing Agree Neighbor Consumed Outside World Successors Family Friends Deputies

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

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

“Walk around. If you are invisible, the mystique of the President's office may perpetuate inaccurate impressions about you or the President, to his detriment. After all, you may not be as bad as they're saying.”

Ifs May President Walks Office Invisible Impression Mystique

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

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

“Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.”

Wells May Enjoy Challenges Interesting Most Interesting Public Service Time Of Your Life Interesting Times Challenging Times

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

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

“If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.”

Ifs Inspirational May Motivational Action Leadership Criticism Obstacles Favourite

Author:Donald Rumsfeld

“Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.”

Knows May Amount Criticism Publicity

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

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

“Plan backwards as well as forward. Set objectives and trace back to see how to achieve them. You may find that no path can get you there. Plan forward to see where your steps will take you, which may not be clear or intuitive.”

Wells May Steps Path Clear Plans Achieve Objectives Backwards Intuitive

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

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

“First rule of politics: you can't win unless you're on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if you tie, you do not win.”

Ifs Firsts May Running Politics Winning Loses Ties Ballots Can't Win

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

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

“Preserve the President's options. He may need them.”

Needs May President Preserves Hype

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

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

“See that the President, the Cabinet and staff are informed. If cut out of the information flow, their decisions may be poor, not made, or not confidently or persuasively implemented.”

Ifs May Made President Decision Poor Cutting Information Flow Staff Cabinets Information Flow

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

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

“Whatever new threats and challenges may emerge, our nation will be able to face them squarely, deal with them, and yet allow our people to continue to live free and unafraid. The decisions you make, the courage and creativity you bring to your responsibilities, will determine America's future. Liberty and our way of life are fragile gifts - their care is in your hands. We thank you for stepping forward to shoulder that immense responsibility. Your country is grateful, and proud of each of you.”

“They may have had time to destroy them, and I don't know the answer.”

Knows May Answers Iraq Weapons Of Mass Destruction Mass Destruction Wmd Wmds In Iraq

Author:Donald Rumsfeld

About the Author

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

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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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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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