Roy Cohn: The Enigmatic Power Broker of American Politics

Introduction

Roy Cohn (February 20, 1927 – August 2, 1986) was an American lawyer and political figure known for his ruthless tactics and controversial associations. Throughout his career, Cohn played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of New York and the nation, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to fascinate and provoke debate.

Early Life and Legal Career

Roy Marcus Cohn was born in New York City to Dora Marcus and Albert Cohn, a prominent real estate attorney. Cohn displayed a precocious intelligence and a keen interest in law from a young age. He graduated from Columbia University and Columbia Law School, where he excelled as a legal scholar.

After graduating law school, Cohn joined the prestigious firm of Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine. He quickly established a reputation as a brilliant litigator and a formidable adversary. Cohn's aggressive and uncompromising approach to litigation earned him both admiration and notoriety.

McCarthyism and the Lavender Scare

In the early 1950s, Cohn became chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the notorious McCarthy hearings, a series of congressional investigations designed to expose alleged Communist infiltration within the U.S. government. Cohn played a central role in these hearings, employing ruthless tactics to intimidate witnesses and damage the reputations of those accused of disloyalty.

During his association with McCarthy, Cohn also participated in the Lavender Scare, a campaign to purge homosexuals from government and other sensitive positions. Cohn's involvement in this effort further solidified his reputation as a ruthless political operator.

Political and Legal Work

After the McCarthy hearings, Cohn continued to practice law and pursue political ambitions. He represented numerous high-profile clients, including Anthony "Tony" Salerno, the boss of the Genovese crime family, and John Gotti, the head of the Gambino crime family. Cohn's legal skills and connections made him a formidable adversary, and his clients often benefited from his aggressive tactics.

In addition to his legal work, Cohn was also deeply involved in politics. He served as a close advisor to President Donald Trump, and he played a key role in Trump's successful campaign for the presidency in 2016.

Personal Life and Controversies

Roy Cohn's personal life was as controversial as his professional career. He was known for his flamboyant lifestyle, his love of gossip, and his penchant for self-promotion. Cohn's bisexuality was an open secret within political and legal circles, but he never publicly acknowledged his sexual orientation.

Cohn's involvement in numerous scandals and controversies throughout his life further contributed to his complex and controversial legacy. He was accused of blackmail, perjury, and unethical conduct, but he always managed to escape serious consequences.

Legacy and Impact

Roy Cohn died of AIDS-related complications in 1986. Despite his many controversies, Cohn's legacy as a brilliant lawyer and a Machiavellian political operator remains intact. His tactics and strategies influenced generations of lawyers and politicians, and his life and career continue to provide fodder for books, articles, and documentaries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When discussing Roy Cohn, it is important to avoid making the following mistakes:

• Oversimplifying his character: Cohn was a complex and contradictory figure, and it is impossible to reduce him to a single label. He was both brilliant and ruthless, ruthless and charming.
• Whitewashing his actions: Cohn's tactics were often unethical and harmful, and he should not be portrayed as a hero. However, it is also important to recognize his skill as a lawyer and his influence on American politics.
• Ignoring his impact on LGBT history: Cohn's involvement in the Lavender Scare had a devastating impact on the lives of many LGBT people. It is important to remember this aspect of his legacy.

How to Approach Roy Cohn

When approaching the topic of Roy Cohn, it is important to:

• Be aware of the complexities of his character: Cohn was a fascinating and enigmatic figure, and his life cannot be easily summarized.
• Read widely about him: There are numerous books and articles that provide different perspectives on Cohn's life and career. It is important to consult multiple sources to form a balanced opinion.
• Avoid making assumptions: Cohn's actions were often controversial, but it is important to avoid making assumptions about his motives or beliefs without evidence.

6-8 FAQs

1. What was Roy Cohn's role in the McCarthy hearings?
Answer: Cohn was chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the McCarthy hearings, where he played a central role in investigating alleged Communist infiltration within the U.S. government.

2. Was Roy Cohn gay?
Answer: Cohn never publicly acknowledged his sexual orientation, but his bisexuality was an open secret within political and legal circles.

3. What was Roy Cohn's relationship with Donald Trump?
Answer: Cohn served as a close advisor to Donald Trump, and he played a key role in Trump's successful campaign for the presidency in 2016.

4. What were some of Roy Cohn's most famous cases?
Answer: Cohn represented numerous high-profile clients, including Anthony "Tony" Salerno, the boss of the Genovese crime family, and John Gotti, the head of the Gambino crime family.

5. Why is Roy Cohn still a controversial figure?
Answer: Cohn's ruthless tactics, his involvement in numerous scandals, and his association with McCarthyism continue to make him a controversial figure.

6. What books have been written about Roy Cohn?
Answer: There are numerous books about Roy Cohn, including "Only a Matter of Time: The Strange and Illuminating Case of Roy Cohn" by Nicholas von Hoffman and "Roy Cohn: The Life and Legacy of New York's Most Famous and Infamous Lawyer" by Neal Gabler.

7. What are some of the most famous quotes by Roy Cohn?
Answer: "Don't tell me what you don't do. Tell me what you do do." "Never complain, never explain." "The only way to handle a bully is to hit him where it hurts."

8. What are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when discussing Roy Cohn?
Answer: Oversimplifying his character, whitewashing his actions, and ignoring his impact on LGBT history are among the most common mistakes to avoid when discussing Roy Cohn.