Rachel Maddow Presents – Ultra Season 2, Episode 6: Under Pressure

Release Date: November 26, 2024

Introduction

In the sixth episode of Season 2 of Ultra, Rachel Maddow delves deep into the harrowing story of Senator Lester Hunt of Wyoming and his tragic demise under the shadow of Senator Joseph McCarthy's ruthless political tactics. This detailed exploration uncovers the dark interplay of power, blackmail, and personal anguish that ultimately led to Hunt's suicide.

Historical Background and Senator Lester Hunt

The episode opens with an interview conducted by Rick Ewig, a graduate student from the University of Wyoming, with Lester Hunt Jr., the son of the late Senator Lester C. Hunt. The setting is Hunt Jr.'s home in Chicago on December 29, 1979. Hunt Jr. reminisces about his father, painting a picture of a dedicated family man who secretly harbored a passion for politics despite his successful career in dentistry.

Notable Quote:

"He loved politics. One of the things that stuck out the most for Buddy about his dad, even all those years later, was how hard he had worked at that job that he really loved."
— Lester Hunt Jr. [04:15]

Joe McCarthy’s Rise to Power

Rachel Maddow provides a comprehensive overview of Joseph McCarthy's ascent within the U.S. Senate, highlighting his manipulative strategies and the creation of a climate of fear through unfounded accusations of communism. McCarthy's aggressive anti-communist stance earned him both fervent supporters and vehement enemies.

Notable Highlights:

• McCarthy’s Methods: Utilization of smear campaigns, leveraging Senate rules to target political opponents, and aligning with dangerous forces aiming to destabilize the country.
• Impact on Colleagues: The careers and lives of several senators, including Raymond Baldwin, Mary Millard Tydings, and William Benton, were destroyed due to McCarthy’s relentless persecution.

Notable Quote:

"McCarthy abused American army officers because they convicted the Nazis who shot American soldiers in cold blood at Malmedy."
— Drew Pearson [30:09]

The Blackmail Campaign Against Lester Hunt

Lester Hunt, a principled senator, stood firmly against McCarthy's tactics, advocating for legislative reforms to curb congressional immunity. Hunt's efforts were met with increasing hostility from McCarthy and his allies, who saw him as a significant obstacle to their unchecked power.

Legislative Efforts:

• Proposed Reforms: Hunt introduced a resolution to make members of Congress legally liable for their defamatory statements, directly challenging McCarthy's ability to operate with impunity.
• Public Support: Reinforced by widespread mail and public praise, indicating the populace’s resentment towards McCarthy's misuse of power.

Notable Quote:

"Are you contending that as a United States Senator you have the right on the floor of the Senate to call somebody a communist? Not with the true knowledge or facts that he is a communist."
— Lester Hunt Jr. [28:12]

Buddy Hunt’s Ordeal and Exploitation

Buddy Hunt, Lester Hunt’s son, became the unintended pawn in McCarthy's scheme. After a seemingly innocuous encounter in Lafayette Park, Buddy was arrested on dubious charges of soliciting gay sex, a charge widely viewed as baseless and motivated by McCarthy’s vendetta against his father.

Incident Details:

• Initial Arrest: Buddy's arrest was handled by the Morals Division of the D.C. police, targeting gay men under pretenses of moral corruption.
• Retaliation by McCarthy: Despite the initial charges being dismissed, McCarthy's allies, Senators Stiles Bridges and Herman Welker, coerced the police to refile charges against Buddy, falsely accusing Senator Lester Hunt of bribing authorities to drop the case.

Notable Quote:

"The only blackmail thing I see here is in regard to media. Am I missing something?"
— Lester Hunt Jr. [07:48]

The Intimidation Escalates and Lester Hunt’s Resignation

As McCarthy's pressure intensified, Lester Hunt was forced to confront the reality that his political adversaries were willing to destroy his family to achieve their ends. Despite public declarations of running for re-election, under immense duress and fearing further attacks on his son, Hunt announced his withdrawal from the Senate.

Key Developments:

• Blackmail Tactics: The distribution of Buddy’s conviction details to Wyoming households, aiming to tarnish the Hunt family’s reputation.
• McCarthy’s Ultimatum: Threats to expose further allegations through Senate hearings unless Hunt relinquished his Senate seat.

Notable Quote:

"I don't much give a tinker's damn what anyone says about methods. I don't much care about. The advice to stop. This job must continue, my good friends."
— Buddy Hunt [21:03]

Lester Hunt’s Tragic End

Faced with the relentless assault on his family’s integrity and fearing the impending hearings masterminded by McCarthy, Lester Hunt took his own life on June 17, 1954. His suicide was a direct response to the unbearable pressure exerted by McCarthy’s political vendetta.

Aftermath:

• Family Impact: Buddy Hunt, grappling with the newfound evidence of his father’s plight, comes to understand the true extent of McCarthy’s manipulation years later.
• Historical Reflection: The episode underscores the devastating personal costs of unchecked political power and the lasting scars left on families embroiled in political conflicts.

Notable Quote:

"I suspect that that night, Friday night into Saturday, was spent thinking about what it meant to be the target of one of Joe McCarthy's hearings. He. Everybody had seen what happens, how ugly they were, how the truth was twisted, how reputations were ruined, lives destroyed."
— Rachel Maddow [49:22]

Conclusion and Legacy

Rachel Maddow wraps up the episode by reflecting on the broader implications of McCarthy's actions on American politics and society. The tragic story of Lester Hunt serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of political extremism and the profound human consequences that follow when power is abused.

Final Thoughts:

• Enduring Lessons: The episode calls for vigilance against similar abuses of power in contemporary politics.
• Historical Importance: By revisiting this dark chapter, Maddow emphasizes the importance of accountability and integrity in public service.

Notable Quote:

"Roger McDaniel, whose book on Lester Hunt is a fantastic read. It's called Dying for Joe McCarthy: The Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt."
— Rachel Maddow [56:01]

Additional Resources

For those interested in further exploring this historical saga, Rachel Maddow recommends:

• Book: Dying for Joe McCarthy: The Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt by Roger McDaniel.
• Interviews: An exclusive interview with Buddy Hunt conducted by journalist Michael Isikoff for Yahoo News.
• Archived Materials: Audio clips from the University of Chicago Library of Congress archives and insightful discussions with historians like Rick Ewig.

Final Note: Rachel Maddow emphasizes the importance of understanding the personal stories behind political events, urging listeners to reflect on how power dynamics can shape and sometimes destroy lives.

Rachel Maddow Presents – Ultra is a production of MSNBC, bringing meticulously researched and engaging narratives to illuminate pivotal moments in history.