William S. Cohen

Date of Birth: August 28, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

William Sebastian Cohen is an American politician, author, and businessman who has served in various capacities throughout his career. Born on August 28, 1940, in Bangor, Maine, Cohen has made significant contributions to U.S. politics and international relations. He began his political career as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Maine’s 2nd congressional district from 1973 to 1979. He then served as a U.S. Senator from Maine from 1979 to 1997. Cohen’s tenure in the Senate was marked by his work on national security and defense issues, and he played a pivotal role in various legislative efforts. In 1997, President Bill Clinton appointed Cohen as the Secretary of Defense, making him one of the few Republicans to serve in a Democratic administration. His leadership at the Pentagon was notable for overseeing military operations in the Balkans and the early stages of the War on Terror. After leaving public office, Cohen founded The Cohen Group, a global consulting firm, and has authored several books, including both non-fiction works on public policy and novels. He remains an influential voice on defense and foreign policy issues.

5 Interesting Facts about William S. Cohen

1. William S. Cohen was one of the first Republicans to be appointed as Secretary of Defense by a Democratic president.

2. He played a significant role in the investigation of the Iran-Contra Affair as a member of the Senate Iran-Contra Committee.

3. Cohen is also a published poet; his collection “Of Sons and Seasons” was released in 1978.

4. He co-authored the novel “Dragon Fire” with his wife, Janet Langhart.

5. Cohen has Jewish ancestry on his father’s side and Irish Protestant heritage on his mother’s side.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William S. Cohen

1. “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”

2. “We have to recognize that there is no longer any such thing as a purely domestic issue.”

3. “The power to investigate is one of the most important powers of Congress.”

4. “Leadership is about making the right decision, not the easy decision.”

5. “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, William S. Cohen’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely due to his work in politics, business, and publishing.