CONSPIRACY SO IMMENSE

Rating:
Summary: Excellent biography of America's most famous Red-hunter
Review: Historian David Oshinsky, Professor of History at Rutgers University, does a masterful job in chronicling the life and times of one the most controversial political figures in our history. Oshinsky, an excellent story teller, allows the narrative to unfold in an unforced way, combining breazy prose with an excellent command of facts, thus allowing the drama of the McCarthy era to unwind naturally. Unlike most chroniclers of the early cold war -- and in particular, McCarthy biographers -- Oshinsky takes the time to examine McCarthy's childhood and rise to prominense with an unbiased eye. He notes that McCarthy was an excellent student, finishing four years in high school in one year; an industrious and indefatigable worker, helping his parents tend to the family farm while also starting his own poultry business; and a caring and warm person, liked by the town folk and respected by community leaders. McCarthy, however, also had competitive streak -- a win at anything cost mentality -- according to the author. In a given environment, such as campus politics, he was often daring, brutal and unforgiving -- completely focused on the task at hand. Oshinsky recites the story where McCarthy, in his final year of college, ran for class president. Prior to election day, McCarthy and his opponent agreed to vote for the other fellow, thus keeping the election friendly. McCarthy, however, after learning the election was a dead heat, changed his vote, telling his opponent that "the best man should win." Oshinsky notes that McCarthy could be both ruthless and caring; one moment, stealing an election, and the next, caring for a needy friend. This trait, writes Oshinsky, would run like an ubroken line throughout McCarthy's career. Oshinsky does an excellent job in chronicling McCarthy's rise to power -- his defeat of Judge Ed Warner for Circuit Court Judge, and then the defeat of "Fighting" Bob Lafolliate, United States Senator, in 1946. At the Age of 39, McCarthy was the youngest member of the United States Sen

Rating:
Summary: A Conspiracy So Immense...the World of Joe Mc Carthy
Review: Shocking...bizarre...funny...sad! American politics at it's worst! Could hardly stop reading it until I was finished!

Rating:
Summary: A Conspiracy So Immense...the World of Joe Mc Carthy
Review: Shocking...bizarre...funny...sad! American politics at it's worst! Could hardly stop reading it until I was finished!