McCarthy | American Experience | PBS

McCarthy chronicles the rise and fall of Joseph McCarthy, the Wisconsin senator who came to power after a stunning victory in an election no one thought he could win. Once in office, he declared that there was a vast conspiracy threatening America — emanating not from a rival superpower, but from within. Free of restraint or oversight, he conducted a crusade against those he accused of being enemies of the state, a chilling campaign marked by groundless accusations, bullying intimidation, grandiose showmanship and cruel victimization. With lawyer Roy Cohn at his side, he belittled critics, spinning a web of lies and distortions while spreading fear and confusion. After years in the headlines, he was brought down by his own excesses and overreach. But his name lives on linked to the modern-day witch hunt we call “McCarthyism.”

[petediamond]

The old adage "history doesn't repeat itself but it sure rhymes" seems appropriate for the times we currently live in...

[BerraPettersson]

Remember horrible mcCarthy during the fifties - now, 70 years later, we have a new awful mcCarthy...

[albertcalleros]

The late (U. S.) Sen. Joe McCarthy WAS the original political grifter.

[donosodemaistre]

The Dems should watch this carefully. And especially Schiff...

[pikeman]

As my Dad used to say. "Don't eat that Elmer. It's horseshit".

[albertcalleros]

During the time of McCarthy's political 'reign of terror, ' the sacrosanct concept of 'Freedom of [Political] Association' was nonexistent.

[breth]

After watchingthe left wheelding McCarthyism Russia Russia Russia I just have to laugh like crazy 😂 at the irony of this! $chiff is the new McCarthy !

[nataliep.]

Regarding McCarthy, Ed Murrow stated that there is a fine line between investigation and persecution. He could have just as easily been talking about the January 6th Committee.