Lies. Alternative facts. Demonizing the opponent. Former Senator Joseph R. McCarthy (R-Wisconsin) has been dead for 63 years, but the political tools and techniques that he pioneered are very much alive. They are as fresh as today’s headlines. The Free Library is proud to present “Trust No One: Joe McCarthy and the Politics of Fear,” a special series that explores the life of an American demagogue and the dangerous legacy he left behind.

“The Rise of Tail Gunner Joe” is the first lecture in this five-part series. How did a self-invented war hero from Grand Chute, Wisconsin become one of the most powerful men in America? Distinguished presidential historian and frequent PBS/C-SPAN commentator Richard Norton Smith will explain McCarthy’s rise.

This free virtual program will be presented on Zoom. To register, please click here.

"Trust No One: Joe McCarthy and the Politics of Fear" is made possible by generous support to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation from Elizabeth Gemmill and Murray and Lonnie Levin.