The Rise and Fall of Mccarthyism: an Explanation of How the Media Crea

The Rise and Fall of McCarthyism: An Explanation Of How the Media Created and
Then Destroyed Joseph McCarthy.

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Senator Joseph Raymond McCarthy, was born in Grand Chute,
Wisconsin, Nov.14, 1908, and died May 2, 1957, (Grolier, 1996) was best known
for his attacks on alleged Communist subversion most notably   within the
administrations of the Presidents Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.   The
activities of McCarthy and his followers gave birth to the term McCarthyism.
This term is used in reference to "sensational and highly publicized personal
attacks, usually based on unsubstantiated charges, as a means of discrediting
people thought to be subversive."(Grolier, 1996)
McCarthy, before February of 1950, was by no means a distinguished
legislator.   He held the attention of the United States by arguing that the
State Department was "riddled with card-carrying members of the Communist
Party."(Rovere,1959,p.128) McCarthy was shrewd in his manipulation of the media,
and well recognized for his skills in Public Relations.   He used these abilities
to take advantage of the growing public frustration with the eastern Communist
movement, and moved from one charge to another.   McCarthy barraged his
opposition with accusations and evaded demands for tangible proof as he
developed a loyal following.   With the support of many Republicans, he accused
the administrations of Roosevelt and Truman with "twenty years of
treason."(Grolier, 1996)
After his reelection in 1952, McCarthy directed similar accusations at
the Eisenhower administration from a new post as head of the Senate's Government
Operations Committee and it's permanent investigations subcommittee.   Eventually
he was discredited by the lack of substance in his claims of Communist
penetration in the U.S. army, through the nationally televised Army-McCarthy
hearings in 1954. On December 2,1954 the Senate voted to condemn him for
"conduct contrary to Senatorial traditions." The final vote was... [continues]

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