COLLECTIBLES
I Have a Signed Souvenir of Gary Hart’s Failed Presidential Run
Valuable collectible — or worthless crap?
Gary Hart ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1987 and was widely viewed as the front-runner until he did something really stupid. He was caught monkeying around with a woman who wasn’t his wife. On a boat. Which was actually called “Monkey Business.” (You can’t make this stuff up.)
Hart withdrew from the race in May 1987. But by December, he was back on the campaign trail, this time accompanied by his wife. Which is where our paths crossed.
The day after he re-entered the race, Hart was campaigning in Portland, Maine. I happened to be working in Portland Maine. Leaving my workplace at lunch time, I noticed that a small crowd had formed down the block.
When I strolled over to investigate, I learned that they were trailing the candidate, who was on his way to a political appearance. Curious, I joined them. I just happened to be carrying a copy of that day’s newspaper. The lead story was about Hart, and it bore the headline: “Hart: I can govern.”
When the candidate stopped to chat with the crowd and sign autographs, I handed him the newspaper and asked him to sign it.
