Seeking Connections

I need the perspectives of those older than myself.

Is there a connection between McCarthyism and the Vietnam war? My gut is telling me yes, and I seem to be seeing renewed McCarthyism being pressed by those who believe the anti-war crowd "lost" Vietnam for us by protesting, and that Vietnam was a just war and not a mistake, but I can't find the link if one really does exist, Vietnam seems to have happened post the McCarthy era. Any thoughts?

Edit: Additionally, is there a connection between Oliver North, of Iran Contra, and McCarthyism? Or ties between Bush and Cheny themselves, and McCarthyism, that might be known?