How did McCarthy influence American politics? Did he make it better or worse?

Okay this is controversial, so I'll give you the answer that public schools want. McCarthy launched witch hunt trials against supposed communists during the heat of the Cold War. Many of those individuals were vindicated (it was decided they were innocent). The media, for obvious reasons, aimed its attention towards the matter, making McCarthy a household name. Hence, by this understanding, he made it worse by spreading lies and fear during a vulnerable time.

However, what they don't teach you in school is that McCarthy got his list of suspects from FBI agents that were too afraid to run with the case. Furthermore, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, many, if not all, of the people tried were in fact proven to be communists. So, it's up to you I guess.