The junior senator from Wisconsin, by his reckless charges, has so preyed upon the fears and hatreds and prejudices of the American people that he has started a prairie fire which neither he nor anyone else may be able to control.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Reckless political charges exploit public fears and become uncontrollable.
- In plain terms
- Dangerous political speeches can start a fire no one can stop.
- What can you take from it?
- Political rhetoric can trigger unmanageable public reaction.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What responsibilities do speakers have to their audience?
Another view
Some rhetoric is contained or short-lived.
More from Joseph McCarthy
Let us not assassinate this lad further, senator. You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?
Permalink to quote #5 Thank God somebody's doing it.
Permalink to quote #7 I see red!
Permalink to quote #4
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