Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra - S2, Ep.4: Spectacle

Release Date: November 26, 2024
Host: Rachel Maddow, MSNBC

Overview

In the fourth episode of Season 2 of Ultra, titled "Spectacle," Rachel Maddow delves into the intricate web of American political maneuvering surrounding the post-World War II era. The episode meticulously examines the influence of the Chicago Tribune under Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the America First Committee's remnants, and the meteoric rise of Senator Joseph R. McCarthy. Through a blend of historical analysis and primary sources, Maddow unpacks how pro-Nazi sentiments found fertile ground in American politics, ultimately leading to the infamous McCarthyism era.

Chicago Tribune and Pro-Nazi Sentiments

Timestamp: 01:27 – 06:15

The episode opens with a critical examination of the Chicago Tribune's editorial stance in the aftermath of the Nuremberg Trials. Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the newspaper's publisher, is portrayed as an influential figure whose editorials often echoed reactionary Republican ideals.

• Notable Quote:
  "We have chosen to fight New Deal communism." — Colonel Robert R. McCormick [05:34]

Maddow highlights how the Tribune's front-page cartoon, published the day after the Nuremberg verdicts, depicted Nazi war criminals as martyrs, challenging the legitimacy of the trials. This narrative was not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend within the Tribune to undermine Allied efforts and foster sympathy for erstwhile Nazis.

Timestamp: 05:34 – 07:23

The segment further explores McCormick's provocative actions, such as advocating for the mutilation of the American flag in protest against Democratic judges appointed in Rhode Island. His tenure is marked by contentious editorials that often aligned with fascist sympathies, laying the groundwork for pro-Nazi propaganda in the United States.

• Notable Quote:
  "Unless we adhere strictly to these provisions in the Constitution, we'll have a dictator right here in Washington." — Colonel Robert R. McCormick [06:22]

America First Committee and Post-War Activities

Timestamp: 07:23 – 15:09

Maddow transitions to the America First Committee's dissolution post-Pearl Harbor and the clandestine activities of its former members. The Chicago Tribune emerges as a central advocate for Nazi war criminals, championing figures like William Dudley Pelley, founder of the Silver Shirts—a pro-Nazi militia in the U.S.

Notable Quote:
"It's the day after the Nuremberg verdicts, and on the front page of this newspaper, the convicted Nazis are Martyrs." — Lily [01:53]

The episode underscores the Tribune's persistent efforts to secure parole for Pelley, framing him as a political prisoner despite his overt fascist intentions. This campaign attracted support from influential Republicans, including Senator Robert Taft, who leveraged his political clout to question the legitimacy of the Nuremberg Trials.

Joseph McCarthy's Ascent and the Malmedy Massacre Investigation

Timestamp: 15:09 – 39:56

A pivotal focus of the episode is Senator Joseph R. McCarthy's early career and his involvement in the Malmedy Massacre investigation. Newly elected and eager to establish his prominence, McCarthy aligns himself with Chicago Tribune-backed causes, amplifying unfounded Nazi allegations of American mistreatment during the war.

• Notable Quote:
  "We have chosen to fight New Deal communism." — Colonel Robert R. McCormick [05:34]

Maddow details how McCarthy capitalized on the Malmedy Massacre verdicts by championing Nazi claims of torture—a narrative thoroughly debunked by multiple investigations. His fervent advocacy not only bolstered his political standing but also provided a platform to perpetuate anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi sentiments within American politics.

Timestamp: 34:10 – 39:35

The Senate Armed Services Committee's investigation, led by Senators Raymond Baldwin, Estes Kefauver, and Lester Hunt, rigorously debunked the torture allegations. Despite overwhelming evidence refuting the Nazi claims, McCarthy's sensationalist tactics overshadowed the committee’s findings, setting the stage for his later anti-communist crusades.

• Notable Quote:
  "The committee concluded that the torture claims were baseless." — Lily [38:35]

Conflict and Consequences

Timestamp: 39:56 – 45:06

As the Senate investigation progresses, Senator Lester Hunt confronts McCarthy's disingenuous tactics. Hunt's methodical rebuttals starkly contrast McCarthy's aggressive and unfounded accusations, highlighting the latter's willingness to distort facts for political gain.

• Notable Quote:
  "He was looking for a way to raise his visibility and he caught wind of the Malmedy case." — Lily [25:30]

This confrontation not only exposes McCarthy's penchant for spectacle over substance but also foreshadows the destructive trajectory of his career, where fear-mongering and baseless accusations would become hallmarks of his approach.

Impact and Legacy

Timestamp: 45:06 – End

Rachel Maddow concludes the episode by reflecting on the long-term implications of the events discussed. The early collaboration between pro-Nazi elements and emerging political figures like McCarthy laid the groundwork for a period of intense political repression and paranoia in the United States. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of media influence, political opportunism, and the manipulation of truth for ideological purposes.

Conclusion

"Spectacle" offers a comprehensive exploration of a dark chapter in American history, illustrating how media powerhouses and opportunistic politicians can conspire to distort justice and foment division. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Rachel Maddow sheds light on the origins of McCarthyism, emphasizing the enduring importance of vigilance in safeguarding democratic institutions and truth.

This episode was produced by Rachel Maddow, Mike Yarvitz, and Kelsey Desiderio, with executive production by Mike Yarvitz and Rachel Maddow. For more insights and episodes, visit msnbc.com/ultra.