Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra

Episode 6: Under Pressure

Release Date: July 22, 2024
Host: Rachel Maddow, MSNBC

Introduction

In Episode 6, titled "Under Pressure," Rachel Maddow delves into a harrowing chapter of American political history, focusing on the rise of Senator Joseph McCarthy and his relentless campaign against his political opponents. The episode meticulously chronicles how McCarthy's tactics of blackmail and manipulation ultimately led to the tragic suicide of Senator Lester Hunt of Wyoming.

Background on Senator Lester Hunt

Senator Lester C. Hunt Jr. was a respected historian and the son of Lester Hunt Sr., a Democratic U.S. Senator from Wyoming who served from 1949 until his untimely death in 1954. During an interview conducted on December 29, 1979, by graduate student Rick Ewig, Buddy Hunt, Lester Hunt Jr., reflects on his father’s legacy and the political climate that shaped his father's career.

Buddy Hunt [02:48]: "Women thought he was very charming. And a good smile and a sort of pleasant face, sort of face did not put people off."

Lester Hunt Sr. was admired for his dedication to both dentistry and politics, maintaining a strong work ethic and a commitment to his family. However, beneath the surface, the Senator faced intense political pressures that would eventually culminate in his downfall.

The Rise of Joe McCarthy

Joe McCarthy emerged as a formidable and controversial figure in American politics, known for his ruthless anti-communist stance. Initially successful in unseating established politicians like Young Bob La Follette in 1946, McCarthy's influence grew as he capitalized on the fear of communism infiltrating the U.S. government.

Rick Ewig [10:14]: "Why do you think that your father did kill himself?"

Rachel Maddow highlights McCarthy's strategy of targeting political adversaries, which included fabricating allegations and leveraging his position to intimidate and destroy reputations.

The Targeting of Lester Hunt and His Son

The episode reveals how McCarthy and his allies, Senators Stiles Bridges and Herman Welker, orchestrated a campaign to ruin Lester Hunt by targeting his son, Buddy Hunt. This strategy involved fabricating charges of soliciting homosexual relations against Buddy, aiming to tarnish Lester Hunt's reputation and force him out of the Senate.

Buddy Hunt [07:39]: "The only blackmail thing I see here is in regard to me. Am I missing something?"

Despite Buddy Hunt's conviction and the dismissal of charges, the relentless pressure and public smear campaign eventually took a devastating toll on the Hunt family.

The Blackmail Scheme and Political Pressure

McCarthy's relentless pursuit extended beyond legal avenues into outright blackmail. By threatening to distribute Buddy Hunt's scandalous mugshot and accusations to thousands of households in Wyoming, McCarthy aimed to force Lester Hunt to resign, thereby flipping the Senate's balance of power.

Rachel Maddow [45:20]: "The threat is that if he stays in the race, Bridges and Welker will print off 25,000... and distribute those to every mailbox in Wyoming."

This tactic not only endangered Lester Hunt's political career but also his family's well-being, showcasing the lengths to which McCarthy would go to eliminate opposition.

The Aftermath and Consequences

Under immense pressure and fearing further ruinous attacks, Lester Hunt ultimately chose not to seek re-election, citing health reasons. However, McCarthy's ambitions did not halt there. On the eve of what would have been Lester Hunt's latest electoral campaign, McCarthy announced intentions to investigate him, leading to Lester Hunt's tragic suicide.

Buddy Hunt [52:33]: "The only blackmail thing I see here is in regard to media. Am I missing something?"

Rachel Maddow [49:05]: "I suspect that that night, Friday night into Saturday, was spent thinking about what it meant to be the target of..."

Lester Hunt left behind notes expressing his despair, underscoring the profound personal cost of political vendettas.

Conclusion

"Under Pressure" serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of political manipulation and the human cost of unchecked ambition. Through meticulous research and poignant interviews, Rachel Maddow paints a vivid picture of a senator's relentless pursuit of power and the devastating impact it had on individuals and families. The episode not only explores historical events but also draws parallels to contemporary political dynamics, emphasizing the eternal struggle between power and ethics in governance.

Notable Quotes

• Buddy Hunt [07:39]: "The only blackmail thing I see here is in regard to me. Am I missing something?"
  (Timestamp: 07:39)

• Rachel Maddow [10:14]: "Why do you think that your father did kill himself?"
  (Timestamp: 10:14)

• Rachel Maddow [45:20]: "The threat is that if he stays in the race, Bridges and Welker will print off 25,000... and distribute those to every mailbox in Wyoming."
  (Timestamp: 45:20)

• Buddy Hunt [52:33]: "The only blackmail thing I see here is in regard to media. Am I missing something?"
  (Timestamp: 52:33)

• Rachel Maddow [49:05]: "I suspect that that night, Friday night into Saturday, was spent thinking about what it meant to be the target of..."
  (Timestamp: 49:05)

Additional Resources

For those interested in a deeper dive into the events discussed in this episode, Rachel Maddow recommends the book Dying for Joe McCarthy: The Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt by Wyoming author Roger McDaniel. Additionally, the interview conducted by Rick Ewig with Buddy Hunt provides firsthand insights into the family's ordeal.

Visit msnbc.com/ultra for more information, including exclusive interviews and related content.