Strout examines how the "Christian Science Monitor, " a highly influential newspaper of the era, covered Joseph R. McCarthy and McCarthyism from the Senator's Lincoln Day speech in February 1950 through his censure in December 1954. Through his in-depth examination of the "Monitor's" interoffice communications, Strout examines how the "Monitor's" coverage compared with other elite and popular press newspapers and how the pressures associated with McCarthyism affected individuals at the "Monitor."

An extensive review of the "Monitor"'s editorials and news articles suggests that it was remarkably thorough and fair in its reporting, while still being outspoken, but responsible in its criticism. While many newspapers attacked McCarthy personally, the "Monitor" concentrated on the actions of the junior senator and the negative effects they were having at home and abroad. As Strout sees it, the "Monitor" served as a voice of moderation, while simultaneously being a persistent critic of McCarthy's tactics.