Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy (Larry Tye) - a podcast by Rob Mellon

New York Times best-selling author Larry Tye discusses his new book Demagogue on the life of Senator Joseph McCarthy.  He explains how he became interested in the topic and why a new book on McCarthy is important.  He details the early life of Joe, his boxing background and his military service where he got the nickname "Tail Gunner Joe".  Larry covers how McCarthy got into politics and how a speech in Wheeling, WV changed the tide of American history.  Through lying, bullying, aggressiveness and baseless accusations Joe McCarthy rose to national prominence at a time when the country was fearful of communist infiltration and nuclear war.  Larry talks about the team McCarthy put together including a talented young attorney Roy Cohn who would eventually become the mentor to Donald Trump.  The books covers the enablers, the victims and the conspiracies left in the aftermath of McCarthyism.  The conversation concludes with Senator McCarthy's political downfall after challenging the U.S. Army and he death from alcoholism.

HOST:  Rob Mellon

FEATURED BREW:  Dirty Bastard Scotch-Style Ale, Founders Brewing Company, Michigan

WEBSITE:  www.larrytye.com

MUSIC:  Bones Fork

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