Now, we had a radio program broadcasting trying to counter the lies that this was a war against the Afghan people or a war against Muslims, which it wasn't. And the Pentagon needs to do that type of thing and that is all that the Pentagon does. The Pentagon does not lie to the American people. It does not lie to foreign audiences. It does not engage in those types of things.
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Meet the Press, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002

I have not seen any recent evidence that he is, which would -- if I were he I would not want the world to have recent evidence that I was alive. So it doesn't surprise me and it doesn't lead me to believe that he is or he isn't.
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, in response to question, "Is Osama bin Laden alive?" Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002

I said some of the press has been off the mark, and that is a fact...Some of the editorial comment and some of the cartoons. But that's life. We get up in the morning and we live with the world like we find it. Therefore, the office is done. (Laughter.) It's over. What do you want, blood?! (Laughter.)
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, on closing down of the Office of Strategic Influence, DoD News Briefing, Tuesday, February 26, 2002

HELEN THOMAS: Ari, why would this administration choose a man for couterterrorism who is so associated with the dark side of the Iran Contra scandal, Admiral Poindexter?

ARI FLEISCHER: When you say, choose him for counterterrorism, can you be more specific?

HELEN THOMAS: He's in the Pentagon, he's been appointed head of DARPA, which is a counterterrorist office, developing plans, demonstrations with information.

ARI FLEISCHER: I'm not aware of any appointment.

HELEN THOMAS: Yet.

ARI FLEISCHER: Let me just say about Admiral Poindexter, Admiral Poindexter is somebody who this administration thinks is an outstanding American and an outstanding citizen who has done a very good job in what he has done for our country, serving in the military.

HELEN THOMAS: How can you say that, when he told Colonel North to lie?

ARI FLEISCHER: Helen, I think your views on Iran Contra are well-known, but the President does believe that Admiral Poindexter served --

HELEN THOMAS: It isn't my view, this is the prosecutor for the United States.

ARI FLEISCHER: I understand. The President thinks that Admiral Poindexter has served our nation very well.

HELEN THOMAS: Really?

ARI FLEISCHER: That's the President's thoughts.

HELEN THOMAS: Do you know his record?

ARI FLEISCHER: I'm sure you will inform me.

HELEN THOMAS: I don't have to, all you have to do is look it up.
Exchange between Helen Thomas, Hearst Newspapers columnist and Press Secreatry Ari Fleischer