U.S. National Security Advisor under Cruz's administration endorses McCarthy, the alleged Communist hunter, as having been "spot on" in his pursuit

In the midst of the 2016 Republican presidential race, a controversial think tank, the Center for Security Policy, has found itself at the centre of political discussions. Led by Frank Gaffney, the organization has been accused of making anti-Muslim statements and questionable actions.

One of Gaffney's advisors, Clare Lopez, is an anti-Muslim activist who has framed the modern fight against terrorism as a new Cold War. Lopez, who advises GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz, has also compared Joe McCarthy's investigations of Communist infiltration during the 1950s to being "spot on."

The Center for Security Policy has been influential in shaping the thinking of nearly every GOP presidential candidate this cycle. Gaffney's organization accused Hillary Clinton's aid, Huma Abedin, of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a claim that has not been substantiated. The Center has also been criticized for its controversial statements and actions, including accusing Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan of spreading Sharia law and circulating a picture of her wearing a turban on the internet.

Gaffney's organization has also been critical of several Republican candidates. For instance, Frank Gaffney accused New Jersey governor Chris Christie of treason for appointing a Muslim attorney. In contrast, the Center for Security Policy seems to be supporting Ted Cruz rather than Donald Trump.

Trump, who is often perceived as a charlatan who says what is necessary to get elected, has not been a favourite of the Center for Security Policy. On the other hand, Cruz, who is seen as a true believer, has benefited from Lopez's anti-Muslim rhetoric.

One of the most controversial incidents involving the Center for Security Policy was when they banned Frank Gaffney from CPAC after his accusations against Chris Christie. Despite the ban, Gaffney's influence remains strong, particularly in the anti-Muslim circles of the Republican Party.

General David Petraeus became a target after condemning a Florida pastor for burning copies of the Quran, an act that the Center for Security Policy supported. The organization also accused Petraeus of being soft on terrorism due to his efforts to improve relations with the Muslim world.

The Center for Security Policy's history of controversial statements and actions has raised concerns about its influence in the political sphere. The organization has called for the reinstatement of the House Un-American Activities Committee, a move that echoes the McCarthy era and its investigations into Communist infiltration. However, it's important to note that J. Parnell Thomas and Francis E. Walter, not Joseph McCarthy, were the most prominent figures leading these investigations in the House.

In conclusion, the Center for Security Policy, under the leadership of Frank Gaffney, has been a significant player in shaping the anti-Muslim rhetoric within the Republican Party. Their influence on the 2016 GOP presidential candidates and their controversial history raise questions about the role of such organizations in American politics.