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Stuff happens.
Donald Rumsfeld -
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.
Donald Rumsfeld
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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 -
Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered key aspects of the issue.
Donald Rumsfeld -
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 -
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 -
It is pretty clear that the coalition can win in Afghanistan and Iraq in one way or another, but it will be a long, hard slog. 16
Donald Rumsfeld -
I'm not into this detail stuff. I'm more concepty.
Donald Rumsfeld
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Prune - prune businesses, products, activities, people. Do it annually.
Donald Rumsfeld -
I didn't advocate invasion…I wasn't asked.
Donald Rumsfeld -
Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.
Donald Rumsfeld -
If in doubt, move decisions up to the President.
Donald Rumsfeld -
In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.
Donald Rumsfeld -
It isn't making mistakes that's critical; it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task.
Donald Rumsfeld
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Oh, Lord. I didn't mean to say anything quotable.
Donald Rumsfeld -
It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.
Donald Rumsfeld -
Don't say 'the White House wants.' Buildings can't want.
Donald Rumsfeld -
We're so conditioned as a people to think that a military campaign has to be cruise missiles and television images of airplanes dropping bombs, and that's just false. This is a totally different war. We need a new vocabulary. We need to get rid of old think and start thinking about this thing the way it really is.
Donald Rumsfeld -
Secretary Powell and I agree on every single issue that has ever been before this administration except for those instances where Colin's still learning.
Donald Rumsfeld -
Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps engender the support decisions need to be successfully implemented.
Donald Rumsfeld
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And it is not knowable if force will be used, but if it is to be used, it is not knowable how long that conflict would last. It could last, you know, six days, six weeks. I doubt six months.
Donald Rumsfeld -
Those who follow orders to commit such crimes will be found and they will be punished. War crimes will be prosecuted. And it will be no excuse to say, 'I was just following orders.' Any official involved in such crimes will forfeit hope of amnesty or leniency with respect to past action.
Donald Rumsfeld -
Osama bin Laden is either alive and well or alive and not too well or not alive.
Donald Rumsfeld -
If you try to please everybody, somebody's not going to like it.
Donald Rumsfeld