Joseph McCarthy retained creditability with the American people even though he never made public this list of Communists working in the State Department?

Joseph McCarthy maintained credibility with the American public largely due to the pervasive fear of communism during the Cold War era, which made many receptive to his claims. His aggressive campaigning and sensational rhetoric played on existing anxieties about national security, leading people to believe that even without a tangible list, his accusations were credible. Additionally, the media's coverage of his hearings and the political atmosphere of the time contributed to his sustained influence, as many viewed him as a champion against perceived communist threats. Ultimately, McCarthy's ability to tap into public fears allowed him to retain support, despite the lack of concrete evidence for his claims.