The Nation - News from Dec. 28, 1987

A survey showed at least 70% of those who live in and around the nation’s capital believe President Reagan, Jim Bakker, Gary Hart and Mayor Marion Barry have told a very serious lie in 1987. In its poll of 513 Washington-area residents, the Washington Post Magazine gave respondents the names of nine public figures and asked if they believed that person had told a very serious lie during the year. Eighty percent believe Bakker and Hart have told a very serious lie in 1987. Bakker lost his PTL ministry over his affair with Jessica Hahn and Hart dropped out of the Democratic presidential race after it was reported he spent a weekend with model Donna Rice. Hart has re-entered the race. Seventy-seven percent thought that Barry, dogged by corruption in his administration and reported sexual and drug-related dalliances, told a lie this year. And 72% think Reagan, who has been tangled in policy contradictions involving the Iran-Contra scandal, has resorted to lying.