Yes I accept that there are elements of McCarthyism in O'Reilly's rhetoric, but it's a question of to what degree. Fearmongery appears to be the political modus operendi for demagogues such as Winston Peters whose 'yellow peril' stance would seem less benign than simply being called a socialist. Perhaps Obama is a commie... why is that an insult? I agree though, that this footage marks a watershed moment in the status of 20th century political freedom.

And by the way... I rate this as the most amazing piece of live television ever. Perhaps the only other contender being Romanian Dictator Causcescu being booed down by a brave populace outside his palace, and leaving in a helicopter minutes later. You can see the moment HIS soul leaves his body in that clip too. Not a good Christmas Day for the Causcescu family, but a remarkable day for the Romanian people.

A reason for the juxstaposition? Sure is! The fearmongery (not the libertarianism) is the point. "Obama wants to turn the USA into a socialist state, his appointments have associations with COMMUNISTS!) We've heard this before... from McCarthy.

Is there a reason for the juxtaposition of O'Reilly and McCarthy? The former is a libertarian attempting to undermine big government. The latter seemed to start out as a liberal/nationalist puritan whose obsession culminated in paranoia. (I reckon anyways). Perhaps O'Reilly will end up the same way. Here's hoping.