Inauguration Day for the new President in 2025 will mark the 90th anniversary of the publication of Sinclair Lewis’ It Can’t Happen Here.

This year’s election campaign also coincides with the publication of James Shapiro’s book, The Playbook, which describes the Roosevelt progressive New Deal Federal Works Progress Administration, in particular the Federal Theatre Project; and, the formation of the House Un-American Activities Committee which focussed on the alleged threat of Communism while downplaying the threat of Nazi Germany. The Committee went on until 1975 and is best known today for the 1950s McCarthy era hearings.

That campaign got upended when McCarthy turned his attention to the US military and a witness, Joseph N. Welch the chief counsel for the United States Army replied to his accusations with the words: “Have you no sense of decency Sir? The quote was directed at Senator Joseph McCarthy’s leading a campaign to root out alleged communists in the US government and in........

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