A determined Democrat from Tennessee, known for his strong opposition to Trump, is stepping down from his race following new Republican district maps that have aimed to remove racial gerrymandering.
Here are some of Congressman Steve Cohen’s more notable blunders during his time in office.
Licking fingers isn’t ideal
Back in May 2019, during Trump’s administration, legislators from both sides were preoccupied with the Mueller report, which definitively stated there was no collusion between Trump and Russia in the 2016 election.
On May 1, then-Attorney General Bill Barr testified for four hours, but Cohen took him to task for skipping a May 2 Judiciary hearing, accusing Barr of being too “chicken” to show up.
On that same day, Cohen tried to make a splash with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, happily munching away during the hearing, seemingly to illustrate his point.
At least he was enjoying himself, I guess, and he even offered some to his colleagues.
Alleged bravery overshadowed by scandal
The Mueller investigation faced numerous controversies from the start. It was revealed that two staff members, Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, were involved in personal affairs, which raised eyebrows.
Strzok had previously expressed a desire to “block” Trump’s election via a text to his mistress, depicting it as an “insurance policy” against an unexpected outcome.
Both Strzok and Page were removed from the investigation. In July 2018, when Strzok defended himself in front of a committee, Cohen was visibly impressed.
Cohen stated, “If I could give you a Purple Heart, I would. This is an attack on you, part of a larger assault on democracy.” Though, of course, the Purple Heart is a military honor.
Intense statements
Cohen’s admiration for Strzok’s alleged courage might stem from his own experiences, as he reflected on fellow Congress members who survived the events of January 6, 2021.
Five years after the Capitol incident, he became emotional, equating it to significant historical tragedies, like the attacks on September 11 and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
“For those of us who remember, November 22, 1963 is etched in our minds,” he remarked, his eyes welling with tears. Yet, shortly after, he vehemently declared that Trump “should be eliminated,” expressing strong disdain.
Comments on crime
Cohen hasn’t held back his opinions this year, even making harsh assessments of his own constituents in regard to crime.
During a February hearing, he boldly declared that “native-born” Americans are often the most dangerous criminals. He argued that data shows the “worst of the worst” aren’t immigrants, but those born in the U.S.
This perspective, while controversial, highlights a broader debate around crime and immigration.
Despite these comments, the district Cohen represents has been divided into three Republican-leaning areas, a significant shift impacting his political future.
