since you asked : I believe in the quote Bob gave.
I recall the McCarthy era clealy and also remember that the Senator claimed the "Commies" had infiltrated the Courts, the Legislature, the Press and the movies ... I thought then that if the "Reds" were in all those positions of power and hadn't managed to take over - well- they were too stupid and inept to worry about.
To boil it down; I disagree with your post and agree with the quote.