
William Lewis, Jr., Aide to Senator Margaret Chase Smith Stands Beside Her at Portlaned Stage Performance. In the Right Background is Senator Joe McCarthy.
“Conscience” – a two-act play that ended its run at Portland Stage last Sunday, is the story of US Senator Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME) and her epic battle for the truth against Senator Joseph McCarthy (R-WI).
Even though the two-act play ended its Portland run last Sunday, October 13, with a sold out performance, it resonates stronger every day as this nation gets closer to a crucial presidential election next month. That’s why it needs to be remembered again and again. It’s history repeating itself – today in the ongoing struggle between the truth of VP Harris and the lying, indicted crook Donald Trump.
Approaching an upcoming election, the unpopular Senator McCatrhty admits he needs to find an enemy to make him look good to his constituents – so he accuses, without proof. 205 employees of the State Department of communist affiliations. In the end McCarthy is censured by the Senate; That happens in 1954 and he dies three years later – in 1957. Probably of alcoholism. Today’s campaign by Donald Trump, who is vulgar and obnoxious as well, focuses on his hatred of immigrants, women, the Jewish population and anyone who isn’t a reflection of himself. His only policies are to enrich the wealthiest and raise taxes on the middle class with tariffs on goods from abroad.
At the outset of the play by Joe DiPietro, McCarthy,’s disdain for women is on prominent display. There are numerous memorable lines that could just as easily be spoken by Donald Trump today as by Senator McCarthy back in the 50s. But Senator Smith, a native of Skowhegan, counters these remarks much to the delight of the engaged packed house. Of McCarthy, Senator Smith says: “”He’s trying to divide us all and install in us doubt.” Senator Smith stood up to Senator McCarthy when few other Republicans would. “Why vote for a woman when you can have a man?” asked McCarthy. “Women are always blamed for their husband’s sins,” said Senator Smith, whose husband was a well-known womanizer. “I don’t bake. I legislate. I’m sick of being defined by Joe McCarthy.” Senator McCarthy accused Senator Smith of “complexity with Russia.”
In the audience at the performance and introduced by Anita Stewart, long-time Artistic Director of Portland Stage, at the beginning of Act 11 was, Jean Smith Cheney. Ms. Cheney who grew up on Willis Street on Munjoy HIll worked for Senator Smith in her Washington, DC office from 1961 – 1967. “I loved every minute of it,” she said at the conclusion of the play. She now lives in Florida and had narrowly escaped Huricane Milton. “The first act of the play was perfect. But the second act “got too personal” for Senator Smith.” she said.
“You win . You are here and he’s not,” counseled Chief of Staff Lewis to Senator Smith.
Anita Stewart said the theater had begun working on this play for presentation about a year ago because of its timeliness. She said: “Here’s to remembering our past and learning from it.”
“Senator Susan Collins (R-ME is no Senator Margaret Chase Smith,, (R)” says this blogger! “Maybe she shares his values.”