Time
COVER: Hart' s fall and the Iran- contra hearings raise painful questions about leadership 14
In a shocking twist of fate, the front runner for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination ends a campaign that disintegrated almost overnight amid charges of adultery, hypocrisy and gross recklessness. While the stunning collapse of Gary Hart leaves the party without a clear- cut favorite in the '88 race for the White House, it poses a larger question for voters and the press: When is an inquiry into a politician' s private behavior legitimate, and when is it an unfair intrusion that says nothing about his qualifications for public office? -- One of the central figures in the underground sale of U. S. weapons to the contras and Iran, retired Air Force Major General Richard Secord, testifies that he was told Reagan was aware of the rogue operation' s illegal dealings. -- Secretary of State George Shultz responds to criticism from Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger of the Administration' s imminent arms- control deal. See NATION.
WORLD: South Africa' s white voters, frightened by violence, lurch to the right 42
The ruling National Party easily holds on to power, while the far- right Conservatives become the House of Assembly' s main opposition group. -- France is set to open the trial of former Gestapo Leader Klaus Barbie, the "Butcher of Lyons." -- Reports from the Soviet and rebel sides of the Afghanistan war. -- How the new U. S. immigration law is affecting life in one Mexican town.
54
Economy & Business
Wal- Mart' s Sam Walton turns bargains into billions. -- The troubled temples ^ of thrift. -- Tension over smoking on the job.
64
Computers
Want to see a black hole or a rhinovirus? Computer images are providing scientists with a better understanding of nature.
68
Education
Father Ted Hesburgh, a commanding visionary and a "darlin' man," retires after 35 distinguished years as head of Notre Dame.
73
Sport
Baseball' s perennial hope, the new Willie Mays, arrives in a hail of home runs. Trumpets are blaring for Cincinnati' s Eric Davis.
76
Living
At long last the mini is back -- not the paper- doll dresses of the '60s but bubbled, tubed and sexy. In short, the very best sign of spring.
78
Show Business
A Beatles song shows up on a TV commercial and a little pop history is made. Is it a real Revolution or just a slick ad for new sneaks?
85
Cinema
Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman star in a road picture like the old Hope- Crosby comedies. Ishtar is funny, but its $40 million cost isn' t.
90
Essay
Why should sex be an issue in politics? For reasons of character that go well beyond sex and into deeper territory.
7 Letters
12 American Scene
62 Law
65 Religion
66 Medicine
75 People
79 Books
87 Music
88 Milestones
Cover: Photograph by Steve Liss; inset by Ian Marks -- Gamma/ Liaison