David Oshinsky

David Oshinsky, a renowned historian and author of *A Conspiracy So Immense, The World of Joe McCarthy*, delves into the life and legacy of Joseph McCarthy. He discusses how McCarthy rose from a modest Wisconsin upbringing to become a senator by exploiting Cold War fears. The conversation highlights McCarthy's manipulative tactics and the pervasive paranoia of the time that fueled his demagoguery. Oshinsky also draws connections to the larger ideological battles of the era, framing McCarthyism as a dark turning point in American political history.