How Roy Cohn Shaped Trump — and America
Summary
In this episode of The Opinions, Carlos Lozada, Michelle Caudle, and historian Nicole Hemmer discuss the new biography *American Scoundrel*, which chronicles the life of political fixer Roy Cohn. The guests analyze how Cohn’s ruthless tactics and disdain for rules directly shaped Donald Trump’s approach to power, noting that Cohn served as a "proof of concept" for breaking norms. They also explore the enduring legacy of McCarthyism, arguing that while McCarthy died in disgrace, Cohn’s influence allowed that era’s paranoia to persist in American politics. The conversation concludes with a re…
Topics discussed
Sponsor: The Fantastics on Broadway
Introduction of hosts and guest historian Nicole Hemmer
Introducing Roy Cohn and the book 'American Scoundrel'
How Cohn's tactics shaped Trump's approach to power
Distinguishing Cohn's influence from shared political archetypes
Similarities in upbringing, privilege, and performative populism
The philosophy of self-made rules and disdain for norms
Overview of the biography's narrative and Cohn's character
Cohn's transactional relationships with famous figures
What is new in this biography compared to previous works
Cohn as the 'fixer' for the American establishment
Sponsor: New York Times Games
The persistence of McCarthyism beyond Joe McCarthy
Will Trumpism outlast Trump like McCarthyism outlasted McCarthy?
The long-term damage to institutions and trust
The role of courts and moral authority in holding power accountable
Cowardice and complicity among elites and institutions
Speculating on Trump's reaction to the biography
Trump's nostalgia for the 1980s and his bond with Cohn
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