McCarthy was a visionary.
His failing was underestimating the communist infiltration.
“Commie,” as you’re probably aware, has two basic meaning.
1. The organized Party movement. The various Internationals and all. Its conscious and undercover agents. McCarthy exaggerated this movement’s infiltration into American society and government.
2. The political lines of thought and political/social movement promoting certain types of societal and governmental change, out of which grew #1. McCarthy underestimated this movement’s infiltration into America. To the point where it has become the primary culture and conservative opposition to it simply one of several counter-cultures.
Confusing these two movements has been a huge detriment to conservatism. When you point out that groups are individuals are part of #2, the response is that they aren’t “really” Commie because they aren’t part of #1.
This is accurate but irrelevant. #2 is the true danger to America and the world. #1 was simply a failed attempt to implement #2, which has moved on to other and more effective methods.