Gary Hart's promising presidential campaign imploded due to a media frenzy surrounding rumors of infidelity. Matt Bai, a seasoned political journalist, details the dramatic downfall of Colorado Senator Gary Hart in 1987. Once a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hart's campaign unraveled in a single week following allegations of marital infidelity, a widely publicized photograph with a model, and intense media scrutiny of his personal life. Bai analyzes how this event marked a pivotal shift in political media, blurring the lines between news and entertainment and ushering in an era where private lives became public fodder.

The book is regarded as a significant journalistic account of a pivotal moment in modern American politics. Bai's reporting is noted for its detailed reconstruction of the events and its insightful analysis of the media's role. The narrative effectively captures the dramatic shift in how political figures are covered, moving from substantive policy discussions to sensationalized personal narratives. This work is seen as essential for understanding the evolution of political media and its influence on electoral outcomes.