Donald Rumsfeld Quotes & Sayings (Page 5)

“Don't do or say things you would not like to see on the front page of The Washington Post.”

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

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

“The price of being close to the President is delivering bad news. You fail him if you don't tell him the truth. Others won't do it.”

“Look for what's missing. Many advisors can tell a President how to improve what's proposed or what's gone amiss. Few are able to see what isn't there.”

“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.”

“The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential program is truly a federal responsibility or whether it can better be handled privately, by voluntary organizations, or by local or state governments.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”