Studs discusses McCarthyism with investigative journalist Fred J. Cook. The recording opens with an excerpt from a speech by U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy. Cook then reads from his recent book "The Nightmare Decade: The Life and Times of Senator Joe McCarthy" (Random House, 1971). Studs and Cook discuss the history, consequences of Senator McCarthy's relentless pursuit of suspected communists and communist sympathizers in the United States throughout his term in office (1953-1955). They also discuss the possibilities for similar campaigns to emerge during the 1970s.

Colonel Hamilton Fish III discusses American history. Major topics include The Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt, World War II, and Communism. Fish also reads a personal letter sent to him from Martin Dies, Jr. Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.