The Nation - News from May 12, 1987

The public’s initial reaction to news media reports of Gary Hart’s alleged marital infidelity was generally sympathetic toward the former Democratic front-runner, according to a Gallup Poll. Voters placed far greater importance on a presidential candidate’s ability to get things done (47%) and on his position on issues (33%) than on their perceptions of his character (12%), the survey said. A 44% plurality, including 55% of Democrats, thought Hart’s explanation of his relationship with Donna Rice was truthful. On a list of possible candidates, Hart received 40% of Democrats’ nomination votes, down six points from an April survey.