Notes on Senator Joseph McCarthy and McCarthyism

Senator Joseph McCarthy

• Background Information

  • McCarthy, a junior senator from Wisconsin, served in World War II.

  • Post-war, he ran for the Senate and won on an anti-communist platform.

  • Known as "Tail Gunner Joe."

• Concerns About Communism

  • McCarthy was very concerned about possible communist infiltration within the American federal government.

  • His claims regarding the number of communists in government were inflated; there were indeed communists, but not to the extent he suggested.

• Personal Issues

  • McCarthy struggled with alcoholism; his behavior was characterized by drinking before and during work hours.

  • Example: Upon waking, he would often consume whiskey before breakfast and during working hours, sometimes adding whiskey to his coffee.

  • He typically drank three martinis at lunch, contributing to his drunken state.

  • Despite his problematic lifestyle, this behavior was somewhat normalized among politicians of the era.

• Wheeling, West Virginia Speech

  • During a speech in Wheeling, McCarthy declared that he had a list of 157 known communists in the State Department.

  • When pressed by the media for the list, he evaded questions, stating, "My people will get the list to you as soon as possible."

  • Over time, the number of alleged communists in his subsequent speeches diminished:

  • He later claimed to have names of 99 known communists.

  • Eventually mentioned only 20 known communists.

  • This pattern illustrated the lack of credible evidence for his allegations.

• Popularity and Public Perception

  • Despite his unfounded allegations, McCarthy gained popularity as he was seen as a crusader against communist threats.

  • His lifestyle and habits as an alcoholic were well-known among senators, but not well-publicized to the public.

  • The emergence of television played a crucial role in his downfall since it exposed his true character.

• Conflict with the Army

  • In 1953, McCarthy shifted focus to the U.S. Army, accusing it of harboring communists and demanding purges.

  • This led to congressional hearings, which were the first televised hearings in the U.S.

  • The public witnessed McCarthy as a "drunken bully," leading to a shift in perception.

• Battle Against Bullying in Politics

  • During the hearings, when McCarthy made unsubstantiated accusations against a young Army private, the Army's lawyer directly confronted him.

  • The lawyer criticized McCarthy’s tactics and questioned his character, stating: "At long last, sir, have you no sense of decency?"

  • This moment marked a significant turning point, resonating with the public and helping to diminish McCarthy's influence and power.

• Implications of McCarthyism

  • McCarthy’s actions raised ethical questions about political conduct, character assassination, and the balance of power in government.

  • Highlighted the dangers of unchecked authority and the impact of media on public opinion.