In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
If a person with a rural accent says 'I don't know much about politics,' zip your pocket. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact and tone. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
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… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Every president when he is elected has to live with the pluses and minuses his predecessor leaves, which includes benefits as well… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered key aspects of the issue. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
One of your tasks is to separate the 'personal' from the 'substantive.' The two can become confused, especially if someone rubs the… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
The price of being close to the President is delivering bad news. You fail him if you don't tell him the truth.… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Many people around the President have sizeable egos before entering government, some with good reason. Their new positions will do little to… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President's views. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
First rule of politics: you can't win unless you're on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate are not there by accident. Each managed to get there for some reason.… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
From where you sit, the White House may look as untidy as the inside of a stomach. As is said of the… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Walk around. If you are invisible, the mystique of the President's office may perpetuate inaccurate impressions about you or the President, to… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Don't be a bottleneck. If a matter is not a decision for the President or you, delegate it. Force responsibility down and… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Most of the 50 or so invitations you receive each week come from people inviting the President's Chief of Staff, not you.… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
If a prospective Presidential approach can't be explained clearly enough to be understood well, it probably hasn't been thought through well enough.… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
It is worth reminding that being president is a tough job for anybody, and particularly so in the information age. There's such… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
When someone with a rural accent says, I don't know much about politics, zip up your pockets. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Know that the immediate staff and others in the Administration will assume that your manner, tone and tempo reflect the President's. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Well, so be it. Nothing's perfect in life, so you have an election that's not quite perfect. Is it better than not… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Make decisions about the President's personal security. He can overrule you, but don't ask him to be the one to counsel caution. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
I suppose the implication of that is the president and the vice president and myself and Colin Powell just fell off a… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Five days or five months, but it certainly isn't going to last longer. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
I don't believe anyone that I know in the administration ever said that Iraq had nuclear weapons. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
I don't think we'll discover anything, myself. I think what will happen is we'll discover people who will tell us where to go find… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate are not there by accident. Each managed to get there for some reason. Learn what… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential program is truly a federal responsibility or whether it… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
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… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Don't speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn't walk in their shoes. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life. — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
From where you sit, the White House may look as untidy as the inside of a stomach. As is said of the legislative process,… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
You will launch many projects, but have time to finish only a few. So think, plan, develop, launch and tap good people to be… — Donald Rumsfeld Copy Share Image
