This idea of finding a communist under the bed seems me all nonsense. And the result of the whole thing is that Americans now are so timid about expressing themselves that we’ve practically given up democratic methods and free speech. … The result is that we act as one and even on controversial subjects we don’t find any debate in public life. And don’t dare.
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I may say this, that if the Republicans should take over the Senate, I happen to be the ranking member on the investigating committee. That means that McCarthy would become Chairman of the Senate Investigating Committee. And if he does, I’ll make you one promise. That Leavenworth won’t hold them, Mr. Huie.
You see, I’ve got a very strong feeling that most of our people in public life underestimate the intelligence of the American people. And they try to argue and tell people how to vote. I think you need merely give the people the facts, and then you can go home and don’t worry. They’ll vote right.