Sec. of Defense James Mattis, known for his frank quotes about the realities of war, offered up a line befitting his nickname, “Mad Dog,” during an interview airing Sunday.
“What keeps you awake at night?” CBS “Face the Nation” host John Dickerson asked Mattis.
“Nothing,” a stonefaced Mattis responded. “I keep other people awake at night.”
(YA JUST GOTTA LOVE THIS GUY:
"Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."
That's the stark advice given to Marines in Iraq in 2003 by retired four-star General James Mattis, the man President-elect Donald Trump has named as his defence secretary.
Gen Mattis, who is dubbed "Mad Dog", is known as much for his memorable turn of phrase as his uncompromising approach to America's enemies.
The 66-year-old's quotes, or #mattisisms, have been faithfully shared online by veterans who revere his candour and leadership, much of it served at the frontline of battle.
After meeting him in November, Mr Trump said Gen Mattis - who had a 44-year career with the Marine Corps - was "the real deal" and "a true General's General."