CBS Face the Nation (14 March 2004); in response Thomas Friedman quoted his previous statement from a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee (10 September 2002):
But no terrorist state poses a greater or more immediate threat to the security of our people and the stability of the world than the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.
But no terrorist state poses a greater or more immediate threat to the security of our people and the stability of the world than the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.
“
You and a few other critics are the only people I've heard use the phrase immediate threat. I didn't, the president didn't. And it's become kind of folklore that that's what's happened.
— Donald Rumsfeld
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "You and a few other critics are the only people I've heard use the phrase immediate threat. I didn't, the president didn't. And it's become kind of folklore that that's what's happened." in the context of "CBS Face the Nation (14 March 2004); in response Thomas Friedman quoted his previous statement from a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee (10 September 2002):
But no terrorist state poses a greater or more immediate threat to the security of our people and the stability of the world than the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq." to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Donald Rumsfeld" (Quotes, 2000s)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Donald Rumsfeld
Donald Rumsfeld (9 July 1932 – 29 June 2021) was the 21st United States Secretary of Defense, serving from 2001 to 2006, succeeded by Robert Gates. He also served as the 13th Defense Secretary in 1975–1977 under President Ford, and in other roles under various presidents.
About Donald Rumsfeld
Donald Rumsfeld (9 July 1932 – 29 June 2021) was the 21st United States Secretary of Defense, serving from 2001 to 2006, succeeded by Robert Gates. He also served as the 13th Defense Secretary in 1975–1977 under President Ford, and in other roles under various presidents.
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