Joseph Raymond McCarthy stands as a formidable figure in American history. Although there were other source of the Red scare, he is its most remembered demagogue, so much so that his last name has become recognized as a noun. This word, of course, is McCarthyism.

Joseph McCarthy was born on November 14th, 1908 into a Wisconsin family of third generation Irish farmers. His parents, Tom and Bid, along with the seven McCarthy children, attended mass every Sunday, rain or shine.1 Tom was a stern teetotaler who once dispensed this advice: "Man was born to do something." 2, 3 Socially, Joe was somewhat introverted, often hiding himself in the barn upon the arrival of visitors.4 He was taught to box by his father around the age of twelve, and amassed a reputation for this among the neighborhood boys.5 Even at a young age, he seemed nervous of criticism. A friend described him...