Biographical Overview
William Sebastian Cohen was born on August 28, 1940, in Bangor, Maine, to a working-class family. His father was a Russian Jewish immigrant who worked as a baker, while his mother was of Irish Protestant descent. This diverse heritage would later influence Cohen's inclusive approach to politics and his understanding of America's multicultural identity.
Cohen attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he excelled academically and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1962. He went on to earn his law degree from Boston University Law School in 1965. After completing his education, Cohen returned to Maine to practice law and quickly became involved in local Republican politics. Before entering Congress, he served as an assistant county attorney and later as mayor of Bangor from 1971 to 1972, where he gained valuable executive experience and built a reputation as a pragmatic, reform-minded leader.
Congressional Service
House of Representatives (1973-1979)
Cohen first entered Congress in 1973 as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Maine's 2nd congressional district. During his three terms in the House, he gained national attention as a member of the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate hearings. Despite being a Republican, Cohen demonstrated remarkable independence by supporting the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, earning respect from colleagues across the aisle for putting constitutional principles above party loyalty.
Senate Career (1979-1997)
In 1978, Cohen successfully ran for the U.S. Senate, where he would serve three terms until 1997. His key committee assignments included:
- Armed Services Committee (where he became a leading voice on defense policy)
- Governmental Affairs Committee
- Intelligence Committee
Cohen was particularly influential in defense and foreign policy matters. He co-authored the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986, landmark legislation that reorganized the Department of Defense and improved military command structure. He also played a crucial role in arms control negotiations during the Cold War era and was a strong advocate for NATO expansion.
Political Philosophy
Throughout his Senate career, Cohen was known as a moderate Republican who frequently crossed party lines on important issues. He supported civil rights legislation, environmental protection measures, and campaign finance reform. His willingness to work with Democrats made him an effective legislator and earned him a reputation as one of the Senate's most respected bipartisan voices.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Cohen's appointment as Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001 marked a historic moment of bipartisan cooperation. As the first Republican to serve in a Democratic cabinet since the 1960s, Cohen oversaw military operations in the Balkans and helped modernize America's defense capabilities for the post-Cold War era.
His legacy includes strengthening civilian control of the military, promoting international cooperation, and demonstrating that principled politicians can transcend partisan divisions. Cohen's career exemplified the tradition of New England moderate Republicanism that emphasized fiscal responsibility, social tolerance, and pragmatic governance.
Notable Contributions and Interesting Facts
Beyond politics, Cohen is an accomplished author, having written several novels and poetry collections. His literary pursuits reflect his intellectual depth and creative spirit, unusual qualities among his congressional contemporaries. He also served on various corporate boards and think tanks after leaving government service, continuing to contribute to public policy discussions on defense and international affairs.