Podcast
Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
The episode highlighted the book’s account of Senator Lester Hunt’s suicide, describing how McCarthy’s blackmail campaign—centered on Hunt’s son’s arrest for soliciting gay sex—led to his death. Rachel Maddow thanked the author and called the work a fantastic read, emphasizing its importance for understanding McCarthy’s tactics. Listeners were encouraged to explore the detailed narrative for its historical insight.
Episode: Episode 6: Under Pressure
The book tells the story of the suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt and how he was blackmailed by Joe McCarthy and his allies. It was the result of a blackmail campaign that involved Hunt's son, Buddy, who was arrested and convicted for soliciting gay sex.
Huge thanks to Roger McDaniel, whose book on Lester Hunt is a fantastic read. It's called Dying for Joe McCarthy's Sins, the Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt.
It was Buddy himself who suggested that Roger McDaniel should write a book about his dad, about what was done to him.