Question

Select the correct text in the passage.
Which phrase best develops the author's perspective on Communist affiliations?
adapted from Enemies from Within (1950)
by Joseph McCarthy


As one of our outstanding historical figures once said, "When a great democracy is destroyed, it will not be from enemies from without, but rather because of enemies from within."
The reason why we find ourselves in a position of impotency is not because our only powerful potential enemy has sent men to invade our shores but rather because of the traitorous actions of those who have been treated so well by this Nation. This is glaringly true in the State Department. There the bright young men who are born with silver spoons in their mouths are the ones who have been most traitorous.
I have in my hand 205 cases of individuals who would appear to be either card-carrying members or certainly loyal to the Communist Party, but who nevertheless are still helping to shape our foreign policy.
As you know, very recently the Secretary of State proclaimed his loyalty to a man guilty of what has always been considered as the most abominable of all crimes—being a traitor.

Answer 1

"card-carrying members or certainly loyal to the Communist Party, but who nevertheless are still helping to shape our foreign policy."

This phrase most directly develops the author's negative perspective on Communist affiliations by labeling individuals as formal members or loyalists and warning they influence U.S. policy.