I have not noticed an increase in this happening. I never thought of it as a Rumsfeld style. I occasionally use it myself. I have never found it annoying.
I think you might just be more aware of it. Similar to how after Bob Dole’s election campaign, I was more sensitive to people that spoke about themselves in the third person. Of course Ricky Henderson was already notably doing that for years before.
I’ve noticed it a lot in the past three or four years – it aggravates me to no end. I’ve especially noted its use by coaches and general managers of professional athletic teams (“Do we regret signing a 45-year-old pitcher to an eight-year contract? Yes.”)
Have I noticed it until the OP? No.
Does it bother me now? Yeah, a bit.
Why? I find it incredibly suspicious. It seems to be a way of setting up the inquiry or argument in a leading way that conveniently closes off other avenues of thought.
Condi has been using the tactic, not as much as Rumsfeld, but she still does it. Cheney uses it also. It’s a method of taking control from reporters, they try to do a follow up and the speakers just reply that they’ve already addressed that question. It’s a power play, it’s a way for the speaker to maintain control. They ask and answer the questions. It drives me batty.
Do I think asking yourself questions at a press conference is only Phase One of the plan? Yes, in Phase Two they won’t even allow reporters in the room.
I hadn’t really noticed it before Rummy got made fun of for it. I’ve noticed it more on talk radio and in the world of professional athletics. Football coaches can talk forever without saying a word and this is one of the tactics I see a lot.