Opinions
2020.05.12 13:47 GMT+8

Is McCarthyism making a comeback in the U.S.?

Updated 2020.05.12 13:47 GMT+8
The Point with Liu Xin

Anti-China rhetoric in the U.S. today is reminiscent of the McCarthy era and Hitler in 1930s Germany, says the former U.S. Ambassador to China, Max Baucus.

"I think the main point I'm trying to make, is somewhat reminiscent, nowhere close to that, yet, some are reminiscent of the McCarthy era, and some are reminiscent of Germany in the 1930s. That is, each person, Joe McCarthy, Adolf Hitler, made many, many statements based on nationalism," said Baucus.

In McCarthy's case, it's more anti-communism, and riling people up, making people believe things that really were not true.

Baucus said that the U.S. government today, and the White House, and some in Congress, are making statements against China, that are so over the top, so hypocritical, they are based, some of them, not on facts, or they are based on facts but sheer demagogy. That's what McCarthy did in the 1950s, he was a proper demagogue.

If that continues like that, Baucus believes that there are going to have deep, deep problems between the U.S. and China. It's going to get worse. It's going to stir up American people against China unnecessarily, and it's going to stir up Chinese people against America unnecessarily.

"I'm trying to say right-thinking people who want to talk about the facts, who care about relationships, speak up. Then we can have discussion based on facts but not on demagogy."

The Point with Liu Xin is one of the main current affairs programs on CGTN. The 30-minute program comments on global news through Liu Xin's very own unique perspective. With two decades of experience as a news anchor and overseas correspondent, Liu Xin has an engaging and personal style. The Point with Liu Xin connects world audience through social media, enhancing their participation as well as offering a comprehensive perspective on world events. 

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Time (GMT): 1330, 2130, 0230

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)

Copyright © 

RELATED STORIES