Roy Cohn Did It First
The debasement of American politics didn’t start with Donald Trump.
TL;DR
- Roy Cohn, a lawyer and fixer, is portrayed as a precursor to Donald Trump's political tactics.
- Cohn's career included work with Senator Joseph McCarthy and representing wealthy and powerful clients, including Donald Trump.
- His methods involved aggressive legal tactics, dishonesty, narcissism, and a disdain for established norms.
- Cohn was involved in high-profile cases, such as the prosecution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, and later faced numerous legal challenges himself.
- Despite a public persona of homophobia, Cohn privately engaged in homosexual relationships and activities.
- The article suggests that Trump learned key strategies from Cohn, such as never admitting defeat and counter-suing opponents.
- Cohn was eventually disbarred in New York for offenses including perjury and misappropriation of funds.
- His life and career are seen as a model for Trump's approach to political life, emphasizing ambition and careerism over ideology.