This show is part of our coverage of topics relating to Maine's bicentennial. It is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date November 2, 2020); no calls will be taken.
One of the most renowned leaders to hail from Maine, Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman to win election to both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. She made her mark with her independent stances, including legislation on behalf of women in the armed services, and her famous "Declaration of Conscience" speech, criticizing Sen. Joseph McCarthy's red-baiting tactics. We discuss her remarkable life and career, and the relevance of her actions to today's political climate.
Guests
Janann Sherman, retired history professor, author of the Margaret Chase Smith biography "No Place For A Woman"
Larry Tye, journalist, best-selling author whose latest book is a biography of Sen. Joe McCarthy
David Richards, director, Margaret Chase Smith Library, Skowhegan
Resources
- House.gov biography
- "No Place for a Woman: A Life of Senator Margaret Chase Smith," by Janann Sherman
- Margaret Chase Smith Library
- Come On, Gov. Baker. Make A Clean Break From Trump. Margaret Chase Smith Can Show You The Way
- McCarthy v. The Lady from Maine
- Joe McCarthy was infamous. But Republicans stuck with him — just as they have with Trump.
- Albert Sargent: A lesson not learned
