Because he had a lot of swags
There were two main incidents that changed public opinion concerning McCarthy, both on television. One was Edward R. Morrow's "See It, Now" episode where he used news clips of McCarthy's own speeches to show his true nature. The other was a question asked by Joseph Nye Welch during one of the televised Senate hearings, "Have you no decency, Senator; have you no decency…?"
Yes, in that they supported Manifest Destiny.
McCarthy was so powerful because so many different agencies and individuals took part in McCarthyism-related operations. The public was so frightened by the supposed (and real) threat of communists undermining US security that they supported anyone who seemed to be fighting it.
They published exaggerated and false stories about the war, affecting public opinion.
McCarthy claimed that there were known communists in the State Department. He held investigations and hearings and which ruined many careers. Presidents Truman and Eisenhower so feared his influence with the public that they did nothing to stop him. When McCarthy attacked the US Army as a hotbed of communist activity, the Senate finally censored him and he died a broken politician.
The adopted daughter of Joseph McCarthy was named Virginia McCarthy. She was born in 1944 and was adopted by McCarthy and his wife, Jean, in 1946. Virginia McCarthy's life and experiences were largely kept private, reflecting the family's desire for a degree of normalcy amidst the public scrutiny surrounding McCarthy's political career.
Senator Joseph McCarthy pretended to pursue communism but it was seen by many as a way of publicizing himself. He was seen as a demagogue who preyed upon people's fears and prejudices for personal gain and in the process destroyed many people's lives.President Dwight Eisenhouer said, "Senator McCarthy is, of course, so anxious for the headlines that he is prepared to go to any extremes in order to secure some mention of his name in the public press."
Playing on public fear of unseen enemies.
One opinion. Speaking as a well-informed European, Joseph McCarthy cast a blight on America which still persists to this day. Any American public figure with any politically liberal attitudes (however slight) is still suspected of being - at heart - a communist, and therefore 'suspect'. Joseph McCarthy and his activities were a disgrace to a supposedly free country - where freedom of speech is constitutionally guaranteed, but freedom of thought was punished so badly.
McCarthy claimed that there were known communists in the State Department. He held investigations and hearings and did ruin many careers. Presidents Truman and Eisenhower so feared his influence with the public that they did nothing to stop him. When McCarthy attacked the US Army as a hotbed of communist activity, the Senate finally censored him and he died a broken politician.
The press and the public.
Senator Joseph McCarthy's political influence came to an end when the Senate passed a resolution against him. President Eisenhower was also against his extreme tactics. McCarthy began to dominate the news and his public hearings became embarrassing. As an aside, it can be noted that Robert F. Kennedy was once a McCarthy staffer. he resigned however.
One significant result of the broadcasting of the Army-McCarthy hearings on television was the dramatic shift in public perception of Senator Joseph McCarthy. As viewers witnessed his aggressive tactics and bullying demeanor, many began to question his credibility and the validity of his accusations against alleged communists. This loss of public support ultimately contributed to McCarthy's downfall and the decline of his influence in American politics. The hearings also highlighted the power of television as a medium for shaping political discourse.
The journalist who sought to expose Senator Joseph McCarthy on the television show "See It Now" was Edward R. Murrow. In a landmark broadcast aired in March 1954, Murrow and his team challenged McCarthy's tactics and the fear-mongering associated with his anti-Communist crusade. The program played a significant role in swaying public opinion against McCarthy and highlighted the importance of journalistic integrity in holding power accountable. Murrow's efforts are often credited with helping to bring an end to McCarthy's influence in American politics.
In 1954, the Communist-hunting senator Joseph McCarthy, in U.S. Senate hearings that were televised live, accused the U.S. Army of "coddling Communists." As many as 20 million Americans watched the combative senator malign people who had no chance to defend themselves..
President Eisenhower refused to openly confront or denounce Joseph McCarthy at any time. Instead he chose to make information available to discredit the man. He also persuaded the Republican Senators to censure McCarthy.
The investigation conducted by Senator Joseph McCarthy on alleged communist infiltration of the armed forces eventually lost support and credibility. McCarthy's tactics and reckless accusations led to public backlash, and he was censured by the Senate in 1954. This event marked the decline of McCarthy's influence and marked the beginning of his downfall.