A biography for Donald Rumsfeldhasn’t been written yet.
“Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.”
“Prune - prune businesses, products, activities, people. Do it annually.”
“Preserve the President's options. He may need them.”
“It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.”
“Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems.”
“When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don't eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control.”
“Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“One of your tasks is to separate the 'personal' from the 'substantive.' The two can become confused, especially if someone rubs the President wrong.”
“Work continuously to trim the White House staff from your first day to your last. All the pressures are to the contrary.”
“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.”
“If it were a fact, it wouldn't be called intelligence.”
“Public servants are paid to serve the American people. Do it well.”
“Don't say 'the White House wants.' Buildings can't want.”
“Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to 'carry it off.'”
“There are a lot of people who lie and get away with it, and that's just a fact.”
“Think ahead. Don't let day-to-day operations drive out planning.”
“Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance.”