McCarthy was correct, but he was not 'right.' He was a bull in the china shop and by going after anyone in his path discredited any further investigations.
People like Hiss and White had been exposed long before McCarthy began his publicity offensive. McCarthy came in at the tail end of that and saw a cause that could make him a national name.
Read some of the stuff from Whitaker Chambers or Bill Buckley back in the day to understand how McCarthy's show boating allowed the really Big Fish to swim free.
McCarthy did far more harm to the cause than he did good. And he did it for selfish reasons, not out of patriot beliefs.
Ann‘s book begs to differ, backed up with facts and research......i will go with her expertise