Roy Cohn Did It First

The debasement of American politics didn’t start with Donald Trump.

Roy Cohn Did It First

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.