The Front Runner

In 1984, former Senator Gary Hart made a compelling impression during the presidential primary, which contributed to his emergence as a leading candidate for the 1988 Democratic Party presidential primaries. His reputation grew stronger, setting the stage for his presidential bid.

Hart officially launched his campaign for the presidency in April 1987, stepping into the political spotlight. However, as his team prepared, concerns arose regarding Hart's approach to engaging voters, particularly his focus on policies over personal connections.

As Hart's candidacy gained traction, journalists at The Washington Post began to investigate rumors about his marital status and alleged infidelities. This growing scrutiny became a central theme in the narrative of his campaign.

To escape the campaign's pressures, Hart took a yacht trip from Miami to Bimini aboard the Monkey Business. During this cruise, he met Donna Rice, which would significantly alter the trajectory of his campaign.

While on a layover, reporters A.J. Parker and Tom Fiedler overheard a conversation between Hart and Rice at an airport payphone, intensifying their pursuit of the story. Their discovery set in motion a series of events that would unravel Hart's campaign.

Hart was confronted by Fiedler after the reporter tracked him returning home with Rice. Hart vehemently denied any allegations and insisted that his private life should remain separate from his political career, attempting to deflect scrutiny.

As the rumors escalated, the Miami Herald broke the story about Hart's alleged infidelities, leading to a media frenzy. Hart reached out to his wife, Lee, expressing regret over the pain caused by the accusations.

In Troublesome Gulch, Colorado, reporters gathered outside the Hart household, inundating Lee and their daughter Andrea with invasive questions and camera flashes. The family's lives were forever changed as they faced the onslaught from the press.

Amid rising tensions, Hart had a heated discussion with his advisor Bill Dixon, who insisted that Hart must publicly address the allegations. Hart refused to give in, fearing that this would only exacerbate the media's interest in his private life.

The Washington Post received an anonymous package containing incriminating photographs of Hart, heightening the scandal. Despite Parker's usual commitment to ethical journalism, the salacious nature of the content put the paper in a moral quandary.

As Hart's public image deteriorated, he prepared for a crucial press conference. During this time, many Americans expressed that the media's focus on personal scandals overshadowed Hart's political qualifications.

During the press conference, Hart faced a challenging question regarding accusations of adultery. His faltering response revealed his diminishing composure, suggesting the overwhelming impact of the surrounding controversy on his campaign.

Lee confronted Hart about the turmoil brought by the scandal, revealing her internal conflict about their marriage. Despite her fears, she decided to remain supportive for the moment, showcasing the emotional strain on their relationship.

Ultimately, the continuous escalation of the scandal led Hart to abandon his ambitions for the presidency. This marked a significant moment in American political history, highlighting the intense scrutiny politicians face regarding their personal lives.

Despite the tumultuous events surrounding the scandal, the film concludes with a poignant message that Gary and Lee Hart remain married to this day. This serves as a testament to their resilience against the backdrop of public turmoil.