Reaction to Donald Rumsfeld's Resignation

November 8, 2006 -- Some quotes from around the world about Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation:

"Don Rumsfeld has been a superb leader during a time of change. Yet he also appreciates the value of bringing in a fresh perspective during a critical period in this war." - President George Bush.

"The resignation of Secretary Rumsfeld is welcome and could represent a significant shift in direction by this administration. I hope it opens the door to fresh ideas on Iraq." - Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

"Don Rumsfeld has served his country honorably and skillfully in a time of testing. I have valued our working relationship and our many years of friendship. I wish Don and Joyce all the best and look forward to our continued friendship." - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

"The global war on terror continues in Afghanistan, and for the troops here, there's really no change in their day-to-day job." - Col. Tom Collins, chief U.S. military spokesman in Afghanistan.

"Changing Rumsfeld should have happened a year ago because their work in Iraq did not achieve any results." - Hassan al-Sunnaid, member of the Security and Defense Committee in the Iraqi parliament.

"His vision and his passion will be missed." - House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.

"By accepting the Secretary of Defense's resignation, President Bush has taken a step in the right direction." - Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"The nomination of a new Department of Defense secretary is a good first step, and we hope it is a sign that the president is looking toward a new course of action in Iraq." - Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

"This is a resignation that should have come before the election. The good news is it shows the administration's listening." - Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.

"I hope his efforts to bring our military into the 21st Century, his leadership on homeland security, and his tireless efforts to refocus our efforts on emerging threats will continue." - Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

"Clearly now is the time to give our men and women in uniform new leadership and a new policy that is worthy of their enormous sacrifice." - Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

"I hope that this change in personnel brings an overdue change in policy." - Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

"This change in leadership at the Department of Defense presents an important opportunity for our country to begin a new policy direction in Iraq and in the war on terrorism." - Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo.

"Secretary Rumsfeld is the face of the administration's flawed and failed policy in Iraq. Perhaps his resignation is a hopeful sign that the president may finally be listening to the American people." - Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash.

"Three years ago I called for his resignation because I was convinced that the administration would not be able to look anew at its Iraq policy as long as he was secretary and because I thought his presence would make it very difficult to reach common cause with our allies." - David Obey, D-Wis.

"Secretary Rumsfeld is exhibit 'A' of the president's failed Iraq policy. It now appears that he has decided to 'cut and run' instead of facing a new Congress to whom the administration must answer on what went wrong in Iraq and how we can now change direction." - Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•