Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
Episode 8: Mystery Man
Release Date: August 5, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 8, titled "Mystery Man," Rachel Maddow delves deep into the shadowy intersections of American politics and far-right extremism during the mid-20th century. This episode unpacks the intricate web of influential figures, covert operations, and ideological battles that threatened the very fabric of American democracy.

H.L. Hunt: The Eccentric Oil Tycoon

The episode opens by introducing H.L. Hunt, one of America's wealthiest men, estimated to have a fortune ranging between $2.5 to $3 billion (00:54). Hunt was not just a titan in the oil industry but also a man of peculiar habits and secretive personal life. Despite having a fifth-grade education, he managed the largest privately held oil empire in the Western world. Hunt was known for his eccentric behavior, most notably his daily practice of "creeping," a form of crawling exercise he performed fully dressed, even in front of reporters (02:15).

Hunt's personal life was equally unconventional. He maintained three separate families, with evidence suggesting he may have had more, totaling at least 15 children. His personal turmoil was mirrored in his political pursuits, combating communism in his unique way while enjoying his large family (02:05).

Alliance with Joe McCarthy

H.L. Hunt's influence extended into the political arena through his steadfast support of Senator Joseph McCarthy. When McCarthy was dismissed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Korean War, Hunt's support did not waver. He invested millions annually into a burgeoning media empire that included radio shows, TV programs, syndicated columns, and newsletters—all echoing McCarthy's anti-communist rhetoric (04:46).

Facts Forum, a television program launched by Hunt, became a pivotal platform for McCarthy, featuring him as the first guest and consistently promoting his speeches and ideologies (05:15). This media influence positioned Hunt as a significant right-wing benefactor, amplifying McCarthy's voice and agenda across the nation.

The 1956 Presidential Election Conspiracy

As the 1956 presidential election approached, a coalition of nationalists, including former Congressman Hamilton Fish, former Senator Burton Wheeler, and Chicago Tribune publisher Robert McCormick, convened at the Harvard Club in New York City to strategize McCarthy's presidential bid. Their goal was audacious: to override the traditional two-party system by qualifying their own slate of electors in multiple states, thereby injecting chaos into the Electoral College count (06:21).

This strategy, however, faced skepticism. Notably, factions within Hunt's movements believed that only someone as influential as McCarthy could execute such a plan. Despite their efforts, McCarthy did not attend the convention in San Francisco, and Eisenhower secured re-nomination smoothly. Just five months later, McCarthy died under mysterious circumstances, marking a pivotal moment in the episode (11:30).

The Enigmatic Death of Joseph McCarthy

McCarthy's sudden death at Bethesda Naval Hospital was a significant turning point. Immediately, his legacy was polarized: some hailed him as a great patriot, while others condemned him as a ruthless headhunter who tarnished American institutions (11:32). His relentless crusade against alleged communists left an indelible mark, with millions of devoted followers mourning his passing (12:03).

Far-right figures, such as Gerald L.K. Smith, speculated about foul play in McCarthy's death, suggesting a covert campaign to eliminate him. McCarthy's demise, however, did not quell the extremist movements he had fueled. Instead, it set the stage for continued anti-democratic forces to gain momentum (13:37).

Francis Parker Yockey: The Pursuit and Peril of a Fascist Ideologue

A central figure in the episode is Francis Parker Yockey, a fascist ideologue and anti-Semitic author, who operated under the alias Richard Hatch. In June 1960, Yockey was apprehended by the FBI after a decade on the run. His discovery involved a suspicious suitcase containing multiple passports and forged identities, signaling his attempts to evade authorities while pursuing nefarious agendas (18:22).

Yockey's arrest was not merely a routine fugitive capture. He was involved in plans to support Nazi war criminals, develop radioactive weapons, and propagate fascist ideologies. His death in custody, under mysterious circumstances, further deepened the intrigue surrounding his activities and the extent of far-right conspiracies within the government (31:02).

Willis Carto and the Perpetuation of Far-Right Agendas

Willis Carto, a prominent right-wing activist and publisher, emerged as a key player in sustaining the legacy of both McCarthy and Yockey. Carto's meeting with Yockey in jail and subsequent efforts to promote Yockey's work, especially the book "Imperium," underscored his commitment to far-right ideologies (33:00).

Carto founded Liberty Lobby and its publication, The Spotlight, which became the highest-circulation right-wing publication in America. Through these platforms, Carto propagated anti-Semitic theories, Holocaust denial, and other extremist narratives, influencing American politics and society for decades (37:52; 59:55).

The 1960 Presidential Election and Efforts to "Steal" the Vote

The episode takes a dramatic turn during the closely contested 1960 Presidential Election between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. As election night unfolded, far-right activists, including Carto and Gerald L.K. Smith, orchestrated attempts to overturn the election results. They propagated claims of electoral fraud and mobilized efforts to prevent Kennedy's victory by pressuring Republican officials to discard certified votes in favor of Nixon (41:28; 45:41).

Despite their efforts, the democratic process prevailed. Kennedy was inaugurated, and the attempted "steal" highlighted the vulnerabilities within the electoral system when faced with organized, anti-democratic forces. These events served as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required to protect democratic institutions against internal threats (48:50; 52:13).

The Aftermath and Continuing Influence of Far-Right Movements

Following the 1960 election, figures like Carto continued to influence American politics by merging extremist ideologies with mainstream Republican platforms. The establishment of groups like Liberty Lobby and publications that disseminated fascist and anti-Semitic content ensured that these dangerous ideologies remained embedded within certain political factions (37:43; 65:11).

The episode draws parallels between the historical events and modern-day political climates, emphasizing the enduring nature of such threats. It underscores the importance of recognizing and countering extremist influences to safeguard democracy (69:21).

Conclusion: Lessons for Modern Democracy

"Mystery Man" serves as a poignant exploration of how extremist movements can infiltrate and undermine democratic institutions. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Rachel Maddow illustrates the fragile balance within American politics and the perpetual need for vigilance against authoritarian tendencies. The episode ultimately champions the resilience of democratic principles and the critical role individuals play in defending them against corrosive forces.

Notable Quotes

• H.L. Hunt on his unconventional exercise: "I'm a crank about creeping." (02:15)

• Gerald L.K. Smith on election fraud: "Kennedy has not won the election... unless some action is shown at once, Kennedy will claim the White House. Will no one stop them?" (07:27; 44:21)

• Senator Stiles Bridges on election integrity: "I've been asked if I think the election was stolen... Where there's so much smoke, I must look for the fire." (48:21; 48:37)

Key Takeaways

• H.L. Hunt's financial and media influence significantly bolstered Joe McCarthy's anti-communist crusade, intertwining wealth with political power.

• The attempted manipulation of the 1960 Presidential Election by far-right activists like Willis Carto and Gerald L.K. Smith underscores the perpetual threats to electoral integrity.

• The enduring presence of far-right ideologies, propagated through organizations like Liberty Lobby, highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain democratic norms against authoritarian impulses.

• Rachel Maddow's narrative emphasizes the importance of historical awareness in understanding and combating contemporary political challenges.

This episode of Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra offers a meticulous examination of the dark chapters in American political history, providing listeners with insights into the mechanisms of political extremism and the steadfastness required to uphold democratic values.