Question

Use the excerpt below to answer the question.



The Saturday Evening Post heralded [Joseph] McCarthy’s arrival with an article entitled “The Senate’s Remarkable Upstart.” For the next three years, McCarthy searched for an issue that would substantiate his remarkability. . . . [One] scholar noted the ease with which he rearranged the truth to serve his purposes. “Once he got going, logic and decorum gave way to threats, personal attacks, and multiple distortions.”

In the Wheeling speech, among the most significant in American political history, McCarthy’s recklessness finally merged with his search for a propelling issue. He explained that homegrown traitors were causing America to lose the cold war.

—“February 9, 1950,” Senate Stories, U.S. Senate Archives


Which statement summarizes how this excerpt describes Senator Joseph McCarthy?


McCarthy used the fear of communism to increase his political prominence.


McCarthy sought to change finance laws to increase his campaign funding.


McCarthy regarded members of labor unions as patriots.


McCarthy promised to reform civil service hiring practices.

Answer 1

McCarthy used the fear of communism to increase his political prominence.

The excerpt describes him inventing or distorting threats of “homegrown traitors” (communists) and using attacks and distortions to build his reputation.