Roy Cohn is Not an Enigma | 60 Minutes: A Second Look
Dec 31, 2024
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Roy Cohn, a formidable lawyer known for his connections to Senator Joseph McCarthy and the controversial political landscape of his time, reflects on his polarizing legacy. He shares insights from his lavish birthday celebration attended by notable figures and discusses his unapologetic approach to power and loyalty. Cohn's obsession with winning is explored, alongside his relationship with Donald Trump and the complexities of his personal struggles, including the societal scrutiny he faced regarding his health and sexuality.
Roy Cohn's aggressive legal tactics and emphasis on winning at all costs significantly influenced the political culture surrounding Donald Trump.
Cohn's complex personal life, marked by public denial of his sexuality and health issues, adds depth to his controversial legacy in American politics.
Deep dives
Roy Cohn's Notorious Legacy
Roy Cohn is remembered as a powerful and controversial figure in American politics, primarily due to his role as legal counsel for Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare. His tactics included aggressive prosecutions, leading to the execution of convicted spies Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, which solidified his reputation as a divisive character. Despite his contentious practices, Cohn garnered a loyal following, as he was known to fiercely protect his friends and clients. His relationships with influential figures, including Donald Trump, illustrate how his 'fighter mentality' has had a lasting impact on political culture.
Cohn's Unique Approach to Law
Cohn's legal strategy was characterized by a willingness to do whatever it took to win, which included defending notable mafia figures and wealthy clients like Donald Trump. He emphasized the importance of winning over morality, arguing that his job was to ensure his clients' interests were protected, regardless of their background. This approach contributed to the motto 'Don’t mess with Roy Cohn,' reflecting his image as an invulnerable lawyer capable of turning even adverse situations to his advantage. Cohn's ability to manipulate the media and maintain public visibility, even amid scandal, only added to his notoriety.
The Complex Personal Life of Roy Cohn
Cohn's personal life was marked by contradictions and controversy, particularly regarding his sexuality and health. Despite persistent rumors about his homosexuality, he maintained a public persona that dismissed such claims, insisting he was a bachelor by choice to avoid further complications. In his final interviews, Cohn faced questions about his health, particularly regarding AIDS, which he vehemently denied despite being diagnosed with liver cancer. His life and relationships remain a subject of scrutiny and dramatization, demonstrating the enduring fascination with his complex character in both popular culture and contemporary politics.
When Donald Trump delivered a birthday toast to power lawyer Roy Cohn, back in 1986, 60 Minutes was there to record the future president's tribute to Cohn's loyalty. Much has been written about Cohn's influence on the young Trump and by listening through 60 Minutes' two interviews with Cohn, you can hear why the notorious lawyer is the subject of so much fascination. In never-before-broadcast conversations with Mike Wallace and Morley Safer, Cohn explains his fighter mentality and obsession with winning at all costs -- from his earliest days working alongside Senator Joseph McCarthy to his final months spent denying he was dying of AIDS.
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