Question

McCarthy’s power and influence stemmed directly from his own personality. What does this excerpt tell you about the kind of man he was?

Explain

Answer 1

Joseph McCarthy was a conservative and driven man with the ability to convince others of the dangerous situation communists threatened.

During the Cold War, many Americans already had a growing sense of skepticism toward communists. Joseph McCarthy was able to use the media outlets to convince Americans there were spies within the country. McCarthy was a master at using props and language which triggered fear. This fear gave him power to go on a "witch hunt".