Final answer:
The term 'renegade McCarthy-ist' is being used metaphorically, referring to Senator Joseph McCarthy and McCarthyism. It indicates a situation where someone is being unfairly accused or targeted based on false claims.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the question, it seems that the term 'renegade McCarthy-ist' is being used metaphorically. The McCarthy-ist refers to Senator Joseph McCarthy and McCarthyism, a political movement in the United States during the Cold War era that involved making unsubstantiated accusations of communism and disloyalty. While there may not be a direct historical event or period that can be attributed to being blackmailed by a renegade McCarthy-ist, the term suggests a situation where someone is being unfairly accused or targeted based on false or baseless claims.