Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra - Episode 4: "Spectacle"

Release Date: July 8, 2024

Introduction: A Dark Chapter in American Media

In Episode 4 of Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra, titled "Spectacle," Rachel Maddow delves into a chilling period in American history where media influence and political maneuvering intersected dangerously with authoritarian sympathies. The episode examines how influential figures and publications played pivotal roles in shaping public perception and policy during the aftermath of World War II.

Robert R. McCormick and the Chicago Tribune's Nazi Sympathies

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of the Chicago Tribune under the leadership of Colonel Robert R. McCormick. Known for his staunchly reactionary views, McCormick used his newspaper as a platform to oppose the Nuremberg Trials, portraying convicted Nazi war criminals as martyrs rather than perpetrators.

• Notable Quote:

  "[...] the convicted Nazis are martyrs. The real crime here is the fact that the Allies put the Nazis on trial at all."
  — Robert R. McCormick [01:28]

McCormick's editorials were not isolated; they reflected a broader sentiment among certain factions within the American right, including members of the America First Committee, which initially opposed U.S. involvement in World War II.

The America First Movement's Post-War Transformation

After the war, former isolationists and America First advocates, including Congressman Claire Hoffman of Michigan and Senator Robert Taft, shifted their focus towards defending defeated Nazis. This pivot marked a troubling alliance between American anti-communists and former Nazi sympathizers.

• Notable Quote:

  "[...] we have chosen to fight New Deal communism."
  — Robert R. McCormick [05:10]

Henry Regnery, a key figure from the America First movement, founded Human Events and later Regnery Publishing, which became notorious for publishing pro-Nazi literature attempting to equate Nazi atrocities with those committed by the Allies.

The Malmedy Massacre and Senate Investigation

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Malmedy Massacre, where Nazi soldiers were tried for the brutal killing of American POWs. Despite multiple reviews confirming the legitimacy of the trials and the lack of evidence supporting Nazi claims of American brutality, figures like McCormick and newly elected Senator Joseph R. McCarthy played crucial roles in perpetuating these false narratives.

• Notable Quote:

  "The Senators are probing reports that the Germans were beaten and starved to get confessions from them."
  — Robert R. McCormick [30:44]

McCarthy, in his early Senate career, seized the opportunity to align himself with these pro-Nazi sentiments, marking the beginning of his infamous political tactics.

Joseph McCarthy's Early Days and Tactics

Senator Joseph McCarthy's involvement in the Malmedy investigation showcased his emerging style of aggressive questioning and disregard for factual accuracy. His actions during the Senate hearings—interrupting proceedings, berating witnesses, and amplifying Nazi propaganda—set the foundation for his later anti-communist crusades.

• Notable Quote:

  "I intend to overthrow the US Government."
  — William Dudley Pelley [16:08]

McCarthy's alignment with the Chicago Tribune and his opportunistic embrace of discredited Nazi claims not only elevated his national profile but also emboldened ultra-right groups within the United States.

Internal Senate Conflict and Consequences

As McCarthy's tactics grew more unhinged, Senator Lester Hunt emerged as a voice of reason within the Senate Armed Services Committee. His opposition to McCarthy's methods highlighted the internal conflicts and the detrimental impact of McCarthy's actions on the pursuit of truth and justice.

• Notable Quote:

  "He was an opportunist, said he was a liar and a drunk."
  — Senator Lester Hunt [44:26]

Hunt's confrontation with McCarthy underscored the moral and ethical challenges faced by senators in combating the spread of propaganda and protecting democratic institutions.

Conclusion: The Seeds of Future Turmoil

"Spectacle" concludes by illustrating how McCarthy's early actions during the Malmedy investigation were harbingers of his future endeavors to undermine American democracy. The episode connects historical events to contemporary concerns about authoritarianism, media influence, and the fragility of democratic norms.

Key Takeaways

• Media Influence: The Chicago Tribune's pro-Nazi stance significantly impacted public perception during the post-war period.

• Political Opportunism: Joseph McCarthy's early alignment with discredited Nazi claims set the stage for his later anti-communist pursuits.

• Internal Resistance: Figures like Senator Lester Hunt played crucial roles in challenging unethical political tactics.

• Long-Term Implications: The episode draws parallels between historical events and current threats to democratic institutions, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and accountability.

Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra continues to unravel the complex interplay between media, politics, and authoritarianism, offering viewers a nuanced understanding of the forces that shape our society.