Rumsfeld's Rhetoric Rings in U.S. War on Terrorism

Reuters ^ | 11-22-01 | DEBORAH ZABARENKO

[Oldeconomybuyer]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Rumsfeld tried to keep a low profile as Secretary of Defense, but since Sept. 11, he has become a highly visible secretary of war, the key U.S. communicator in the attack on global terrorism.

In straightforward rhetoric redolent of his native Chicago, Rumsfeld has managed to articulate what others in the Bush administration often obfuscate, including the ugly truth that this war, like all others, is going to kill people.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

	U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld speaks to members of the U. S. Army Special during his visit to Fort Bragg, near Fayetteville, North Carolina, November 21, 2001. Rumsfeld said the U.S. special forces were stepping up their work with anti-Taliban factions across Afghanistan to aid the manhunt for Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda fighters. REUTERS/Robert Padgett - Nov 21 6:05 PM ET
	Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld (L) greets a member of the U. S. Army Rangers during his visit to Fort Bragg, near Fayetteville, North Carolina, November 21, 2001. Rumsfeld said the U.S. special forces were stepping up their work with anti-Taliban factions across Afghanistan to aid the manhunt for Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda fighters. (Robert Padgett/Reuters) - Nov 21 5:41 PM ET

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said during an interview on November 21, 2001 that he would prefer that Osama bin Laden, hunted in Afghanistan and accused of directing terrorist attacks, be killed rather than taken alive. Shown are leaflets that the U.S. military is dropping over Afghanistan advertising a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of bin Laden and advisor Aiman al-Zawahiri. (Dept. of Defense via Reuters) - Nov 21 4:00 PM ET

[ken5050]

Has the tenor of Reuter's articles changed since two of their reporters were executed?....Guess their definition of "terrorist" has changed now that it's a little closer to home, eh?

[latrans]

Rumsfeld is One of Bush's top picks. The perfect man for the job.

[kixx]

I think Rumsfeld was Bush's second choice. He considered someone before he selected Rumsfeld. For the life of me I can't remember who. Can someone please jog my memory.

[randog]

Although Rumsfeld is a stellar leader on his own, his star only shines brighter because of the utter idiots (the media) that surround him at his news conferences.

[Hipixs]

Rummy bump

[beckett]

Rumsfeld is doing an outstanding job. The guy exudes authority, competence and resourcefulness.

[beckett]

I think Rumsfeld was Bush's second choice. He considered someone before he selected Rumsfeld. For the life of me I can't remember who. Can someone please jog my memory.

I don't think so. Perhaps you're thinking of the Linda Chavez flap over the Labor Dept's top job.

Rummy was Cheney's original mentor in government and a much desired choice by both W and Cheney. I don't think anyone was ahead of him in line for the job.

[1 FELLOW FREEPER]

A CONSERVATIVE IS A LIBERAL WHO HAS BEEN MUGGED....lol

[1 FELLOW FREEPER]

If Bush 42 runs again, don't be surprised to see Rummy on zee ticket. Dick may not be well enough.

[Sci Fi Guy]

There were rumors that Dan Coats would be the Sec of Def.

I've also heard that Bush originally wanted Rumy at CIA.

[BunnySlippers]

Thanks for the headsup on last night's Rumsfeld segment on 60 Minutes II. I loved the Rumsfeld part and cried my way through the NY Fire Department bagpipers segment.

[beckett]

Ah...as another poster pointed out, Dan Coats was rumored for the Defense job. I stand corrected. And as I recall he and Bush were like oil and water during the interview, killing his prospects.

But I don't think that necessarily means that Coats was ahead of Rummy on the list. It's more likely that Rummy was always favored, but as a courtesy to Coats or to Coats' sponsors, he was given an interview.