As the 1988 Democratic Party presidential primaries kick off, the spotlight shines on former Senator Gary Hart, whose reputation as a leading candidate was bolstered by a strong performance in the 1984 primary. As Hart and his campaign team prepare for the official launch of his presidential bid in April 1987, a growing concern looms: Hart may be prioritizing policy discussions over personal revelations, making it difficult for voters to connect with him on a deeper level.
At the same time, the journalistic circles at The Washington Post are buzzing with inquiries about Hart's marital standing and rumors of his alleged infidelities. Seeking respite from the campaign chaos, Hart embarks on a yacht cruise from Miami to Bimini aboard the Monkey Business, where he meets the enchanting Donna Rice.
Tension escalates when two persistent reporters, A.J. Parker of The Washington Post and Tom Fiedler from the Miami Herald, unwittingly catch wind of a conversation between Hart and Rice at an airport payphone. While on the campaign plane, Hart engages in a paternal chat with Parker, offering him insights and gifting him a Tolstoy novel to enhance his understanding of Soviet politics.
As events unfold in Iowa, Parker's probing questions about Hart's marriage create friction, prompting Hart to suggest that the reporter would find trailing him around utterly dull. Unknown to Hart, Fiedler has received an anonymous tip from a young woman claiming an affair involving Hart and a friend of hers. Initially skeptical, Fiedler becomes intrigued after tracking two women on a flight to Washington, D.C. and watching Hart at his townhouse. When he spots Hart returning with Rice, Fiedler confronts him, only to receive a vehement denial: Hart insists that his private life should not concern the public.
As the scandal breaks in the Herald, Hart reaches out to his wife, Lee Hart, to express his regrets for any pain caused by the unfolding events. Meanwhile, campaign staffer Irene Kelly is assigned to befriend Rice and glean information from her. After successfully accomplishing her mission, Irene sends Rice back to Miami, where she faces the relentless scrutiny of the press.
In Troublesome Gulch, Colorado, reporters besiege the Hart household, overwhelming Lee and their daughter Andrea Hart with intrusive camera flashes and questions. Their lives, once serene, are irreversibly affected by the fallout from Gary Hart's personal struggles. Within his inner circle, tensions rise as Hart engages in a heated discussion with his trusted advisor, Bill Dixon. Dixon insists that Hart must publicly address the allegations, but Hart remains resolute in his refusal, fearing that acknowledging the rumors may only fuel the media fire.
The situation escalates when The Washington Post receives an anonymous package containing compromising photographs of Hart. Parker, who is usually committed to ethical reporting, finds himself double-minded about sensationalizing such invasive personal matters. Yet, Editor Ben Bradlee is resolute, stating that the Post must evolve with changing public appetites for political scandal.
As Hart prepares for a press conference amidst the swirling controversy, a shift in public opinion becomes evident: many Americans believe that the media's smear campaign has overstepped boundaries, asserting that a candidate's infidelities should not overshadow their qualifications for office. When asked about the possibility of being questioned on infidelity, Hart responds with characteristic candor: > "It's nobody's goddamn business!" A perfect answer, according to his team.
Shortly after, Lee enters the scene, her demeanor shifted from calm to anxious. She reveals her thoughts about possibly leaving Hart, yet she vows to remain supportive for the time being. The weight of this discussion hangs heavily as Hart braces for a demanding press conference where he must confront the stark realities of his life.
An unexpected opportunity arises when Parker directs a pointed question at Hart: "Have you committed adultery?" Hart's once-steady demeanor falters as he struggles to respond, revealing the frailty of his resolve. The ensuing backlash wreaks havoc on his campaign, causing Lee's distress to intensify.
Ultimately, Hart reaches a breaking point and opts to forgo his presidential ambitions. As this tumultuous chapter in American political history comes to an end, a poignant message appears on screen: "Gary and Lee Hart remain married to this day."
