Edward R. Murrow airs “A Report on Senator Joseph R. McCarthy,” on the Columbia Broadcasting System television news magazine See It Now.  Murrow uses McCarthy’s public statements to expose instances in which he disagreed with himself, in his quest to build his political capital as a “red baiter.”  To red-bait is to attack an opponent as being under communist influence, or promoting a communist agenda.  During his four year crusade McCarthy ruined reputations and destroyed careers of those who disagreed with him denouncing them as communist.

       NOTE: Television was in its infancy at this time.  CBS was so skittish at attacking a public figure that Murrow had to use his own resources to promote the program.

       Postscript: The program was a resounding success, as McCarthy’s popular approval rating, which stood at 50% the month previous, fell to 38% a month later.  It was a month later that McCarthy accepted Murrow’s invitation to respond in kind.  McCarthy’s lackluster performance further contributed to his decline as a leader in the senate.

       [restored 9/16/2022] Thanks to the Public Broadcasting System for this entry.