Originally Posted by dropnosky

"Joe McCarthy had been a Marine air gunner, an amateur boxer, a county
judge and towards his end, under constant attack, he began to drink
heavily. Herman said he certainly was over his head and his fall came
about after sweeping attacks on General Marshall and the Army."

Right, McCarthyism is what is known as a witch hunt. There are plenty of historical models. Started out with a kernel of truth, and in the end he's accusing the entire army and its commander.

Salem witch trials, Spanish Inquisition, ect. All events in which extremist views were rewarded, and those that objected on grounds of moderation or reason were lumped into the heretic camp.

McCarthy proved that he could limit the concept of free speech and freedom of expression which are American ideals through fear.