Who Was Senator Gene McCarthy & What Did He Believe?
The video interviews of Senator Eugene McCarthy were created in collaboration with Readus Fletcher and Tellstar News. The videos address Senator McCarthy's beliefs and stances relating to a variety of topics. The McCarthy Center was created in honor of Senator McCarthy to inspire discussion of topics like these in a bipartisan setting.
Globalism, Multinational Corporations, Protectionism and the United States
Senator McCarthy speaks on his views of globalism, multinational corporations, and protectionism in the United States. Regarding world economy, Senator McCarthy believes multi-national and international companies are much harder to keep track of. He suggests that we are close to the final and most dangerous stage of capitalism. Internationalism has made it easy to move the means of production, which inherently covers up the suffering of laborers. As a result of the loss of protectionism of the American Revolution, McCarthy explains that Capitalism currently only serves the "now" and has lost focus in serving the following generations.
Preparation for the U.S. Presidency and Constitutional Convention
Senator McCarthy discusses preparation for the United States Presidency and his belief that "The worst preparation for presidency in the modern world is to have been a successful Governor." He explains that "successful" governors are the worst prepared for the role of President because they claim experience without asking questions. McCarthy acknowledges that federal bureaucracy is altogether different from state bureaucracies.
Reform of the Electoral College
Senator McCarthy speaks on reform of the Electoral College in the United States. He suggests that "Direct election of the President by popular vote is the worst possible way to pick a president" because, for many, television serves as the main source of information. He believes a direct vote could potentially result in "a significant downgrade of the constitution."
U.S. Presidency, Vietnam War Legacy, The Cold War with Russia
Senator McCarthy explores U.S. Presidency, Vietnam War legacy, and the Cold War with Russia. He believes President Bill Clinton's success reveals that a politician can be against the Vietnam War and still get elected. However, McCarthy believes that President Clinton will have to "unlearn" his role as Governor in order to succeed as President.
President Johnson’s withdraw from 1968 re-election bid, reform to national political conventions
Senator McCarthy discusses President Johnson's withdraw from 1968 re-election bid and reform to national political conventions. He suggests that Johnson's decision to withdraw was to retain power and image by giving up the position. Regarding political parties, Senator McCarthy believes the two-party system needs reviewing on behalf of the American people's best interests.
The Reagan Presidency, Presidential Terms Limits, the Cold War and the Military-Industrial Complex
Senator McCarthy discusses Ronald Reagan's Presidency, Presidential term limits, the Cold War, and the Military-Industrial Complex. McCarthy was critical of President Reagan’s action in Nicaragua. To avoid issues like this, McCarthy suggests amending the two-term limitation on presidential services. McCarthy believes an unlimited term is the best practice because one should run until they lose. He explains that two things are not acceptable in Democratic governments: colonial authority as foreign policy and secret government activities with the CIA.
Environmental Justice
Senator McCarthy speaks on environmental justice. McCarthy believes that the Benedictine tradition calls us to respect the environmental world. We are not meant to abuse nature and its resources in any way.
Iran-Contra Affair and Impeachment of President Ronald Reagan
Senator McCarthy speaks on Iran-Contra Affair and impeachment of President Ronald Reagan. McCarthy reviews examples of Impeachable offenses that he's witnessed in his political career. In terms of presidential responsibility, he was most shocked by Watergate. He believes Reagan's association with arms sales to Iran could be classified as a crime deserving of impeachment. McCarthy suspects that President Reagan and others may not understand the constitutional role of the office.
Presidential Impeachment and Constitutional Authority
Senator McCarthy discusses Presidential impeachment and constitutional authority. McCarthy believes many Presidents are indifferent to the constitution. He applauds President Harry Truman for being the "last constitutional President."
U.S. Federal Budget Reform Act
Senator McCarthy discusses U.S. Federal Budget reform. McCarthy remembers the advice he received from an old Congressman. "Vote against everything that starts with 'R-E'" and relates this policy to "Reagan."
The Ronald Reagan Revolution
Senator McCarthy speaks on the Ronald Reagan Revolution. McCarthy believes it seems unclear because it is more of an attitude shift rather than a policy shift. He views it as qualitative changes with no distinctly quantitative policy changes.
U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Senator McCarthy explores U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy. McCarthy states that he hasn't "thought very highly of the people handling foreign policy since the end of the Truman administration." He believes that since then, people are thinking only in ideologies rather than reality.
Political Writing and Plagiarism
Senator McCarthy discusses political writing and plagiarism. McCarthy believes that plagiarizing from a ghost-written speech is not as horrible as plagiarizing a full speech. He states that "Plagiarizing a joke is not a very serious matter." McCarthy finds that the most serious offense in the Biden case is plagiarizing examples and anecdotes from the life of another and using them as his own.
Qualifications for the U.S. Presidency
Senator McCarthy speaks on the qualifications of the U.S. presidential candidates. McCarthy believes candidates should have experience with the Federal government such as the Senate and must understand how the Federal bureaucracy operates. He expresses that if a candidate cannot reach outside of their party to represent the whole constitutional American people, they are not a good candidate.
Multi-National Corporations and U.S. Foreign Policy
Senator McCarthy discusses multi-national corporations and U.S. foreign policy. McCarthy believes there are inherent dangers with corporations moving internationally because they indirectly create U.S. foreign policy. He explains how the U.S. Government's obligation prioritizes national companies rather than individual U.S. civilians.