In Bed With The Right Episode 73 -- Roy Cohn with Matt Sitman (Part 2)
27 snips
Apr 29, 2025 
Matt Sitman, co-host of the Know Your Enemy podcast, shares fascinating insights into the life of Roy Cohn, a lawyer famous for his controversial connections and mentorship to Donald Trump. They delve into Cohn's tumultuous return to New York, highlighting his ties to the mob and the Church. The discussion explores the dark tactics Cohn used to manipulate the political landscape while navigating his hidden sexuality, revealing how his notorious legacy continues to shape contemporary politics.
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Cohn's Triumphant Return to NYC
- Roy Cohn returned to New York as a powerful figure embraced by the conservative establishment despite his controversial past.
- His 1954 banquet drew thousands, including notable conservative figures like William F. Buckley Jr.
Spellman-Cohn Mentor Connection
- Cardinal Spellman, a powerful conservative Catholic and closeted gay man, was an early mentor to Roy Cohn.
- Their connection highlights the complex, often covert, relationships among influential closeted gay men in that era.
The Closet as a Power Weapon
- Roy Cohn exploited the closet as a weapon, wielding knowledge of others' secrets for leverage and protection.
- This created a mutual but coercive protection racket among closeted powerful men.
