Ep 1. Gary Hart and Donna Rice: The Scandal that Changed History

In the first episode of season 2 of Barbara Walters Presents American Scandals, the focus is on one of the most significant political scandals in American history - the Gary Hart and Donna Rice scandal. Barbara Walters takes a deep dive into the events surrounding the scandal that changed the way the media covered politics forever.

The episode delves into the story of Gary Hart, a popular and charismatic politician who was considered a front-runner for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. However, his campaign came to a screeching halt when rumors began to circulate about his extramarital affair with Donna Rice, a young model and actress.

Walters speaks with several key figures in the scandal, including reporters who covered the story, Donna Rice herself, and even Gary Hart, who has largely remained silent about the scandal over the years. Viewers will get a firsthand account of what happened behind the scenes, including the moment when Hart told the press to follow him around if they wanted to catch him having an affair.

The episode also highlights the media's role in the scandal, as the tabloid coverage of Hart's affair dominated the news cycle for weeks. This was a turning point in the way the media covered politics, as the personal lives of politicians suddenly became fair game for the press.

Throughout the episode, Walters examines how the scandal impacted Hart's career, the 1988 presidential election, and politics as a whole. She explores the moral and ethical dilemmas that arose from the scandal, and its lasting impact on privacy, journalism, and political campaigns.

Overall, the premiere of season 2 of Barbara Walters Presents American Scandals is a gripping exploration of one of the most notorious political scandals in American history. With interviews from key players and a comprehensive overview of the events, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the scandal that changed the course of American politics.