Exclusive: Gary Hart Reflects on Trump, Clinton, and How Politics Became a Media Sport
The former Senator and presidential contender—who endured a famous media scandal of his own—discusses the changing political landscape, and the role he could have played in it.
fter losing the Democratic nomination to former Vice President Walter Mondale in 1984, Gary Hart emerged as the Democratic front-runner in advance of the 1988 race. Commanding a double-digit lead over his primary rivals in early 1987, Hart, who was seen as a Kennedy-esque figure, was widely expected to clinch the nomination, and pose a considerable threat in the general election to the presumptive Republican nominee, George H. W. Bush. Hailed by The New York Times as “one of the most intelligent figures in contemporary American politics,” Hart represented change, and pushed a platform far ahead of his time. But the trailblazing politician’s bid for the White House was cut short when The Miami Herald published an article about a purported extramarital affair between Hart and a 29-year-old actress, Donna Rice. Hart ultimately withdrew from the race.
Hart, now 79, spoke with the Hive about how the political landscape has changed in the decades since his presidential bids. He reflects on how why young people have turned away from Hillary Clinton, how the parties have realigned, and why disaffected voters are turning to Donald Trump.
Before the Democratic nomination, in 1988, a poll previewing a general election showdown placed you 13 points ahead of George H.W. Bush. In his book and in a The New York Times Magazine article, Matt Bai has suggested that, were it not for your scandal, you might have impeded the Bush political dynasty. Do you believe that?
I will not elaborate on this except to say clearly the media has become more intrusive in people’s private lives and the loss of privacy on the part of candidates has caused an awful lot of people of quality to choose not to seek public office. And that is reflected in the decline in the caliber and quality of people in public service, unfortunately.
The former Senator and presidential contender—who endured a famous media scandal of his own—discusses the changing political landscape, and the role he could have played in it.
fter losing the Democratic nomination to former Vice President Walter Mondale in 1984, Gary Hart emerged as the Democratic front-runner in advance of the 1988 race. Commanding a double-digit lead over his primary rivals in early 1987, Hart, who was seen as a Kennedy-esque figure, was widely expected to clinch the nomination, and pose a considerable threat in the general election to the presumptive Republican nominee, George H. W. Bush. Hailed by The New York Times as “one of the most intelligent figures in contemporary American politics,” Hart represented change, and pushed a platform far ahead of his time. But the trailblazing politician’s bid for the White House was cut short when The Miami Herald published an article about a purported extramarital affair between Hart and a 29-year-old actress, Donna Rice. Hart ultimately withdrew from the race.
Hart, now 79, spoke with the Hive about how the political landscape has changed in the decades since his presidential bids. He reflects on how why young people have turned away from Hillary Clinton, how the parties have realigned, and why disaffected voters are turning to Donald Trump.
Before the Democratic nomination, in 1988, a poll previewing a general election showdown placed you 13 points ahead of George H.W. Bush. In his book and in a The New York Times Magazine article, Matt Bai has suggested that, were it not for your scandal, you might have impeded the Bush political dynasty. Do you believe that?
I will not elaborate on this except to say clearly the media has become more intrusive in people’s private lives and the loss of privacy on the part of candidates has caused an awful lot of people of quality to choose not to seek public office. And that is reflected in the decline in the caliber and quality of people in public service, unfortunately.
