William Cohen was born on August 28, 1940 in Bangor, Maine. He was raised in a middle-class family and attended Bangor High School. During his high school years, Cohen excelled in basketball and was named to the Maine all-state high school team. After graduating from high school, he went on to attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine where he continued to play basketball and was named to the college all-state team.
After college, Cohen went on to law school at Boston University. He later returned to Maine where he set up a successful law practice. In 1972, he ran for and won a seat in the House of Representatives, representing Maine's 2nd district. Cohen quickly made a name for himself in Congress and was known for his ability to work across party lines.
During his time in the House, Cohen gained national attention when he was one of the first Republicans to break from his party and vote for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal. This decision showed Cohen's commitment to upholding the rule of law, even when it meant going against his own party.
In 1978, Cohen ran for a seat in the Senate and won, representing Maine from 1979 to 1997. During his time in the Senate, Cohen focused on issues such as national security and defense. He was known for his strong bipartisan approach and was respected by members of both parties.
In 1996, Cohen married writer Janet Langhart. The couple's marriage was widely covered in the media, as Langhart was African American and Cohen was white. Despite some initial criticism, the couple's marriage was a strong and loving one that lasted until Cohen's death.
After leaving the Senate, Cohen was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as Secretary of Defense from 1997 to 2001. In this role, Cohen oversaw the military during a period of significant change and conflict, including the Kosovo War and the Columbine High School massacre.
Throughout his career, William Cohen was known for his strong leadership, dedication to public service, and willingness to work across party lines. He passed away on November 20, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and service to his country.