Joseph McCarthy: Donald Trump's evil ancestor | Der Spiegel (DE) | 01KYCGP837GZ8J802Q57CWHB0J

U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy, notorious for his anti-communist witch hunts, is portrayed as a dark ancestor of Donald Trump. McCarthy's methods of intimidating opponents and disseminating falsehoods are presented as a playbook for the current U.S. president.

The article argues that McCarthy's legacy of fear-mongering and disinformation serves as a blueprint for contemporary political tactics. His ability to rally support through unsubstantiated accusations and public pressure is seen as a precursor to the communication strategies employed by Trump.

This historical comparison suggests a recurring pattern in American politics where demagoguery and the manipulation of public opinion can gain significant traction. The piece implies that understanding McCarthy's rise and fall offers insights into the dynamics of modern political movements that rely on similar tactics.