November 30th 1986 was a significant day for American history. At the time we weren't sure. As allegations and discoveries of covert activity in the area of Arms-for-Hostages emerged, the scramble for denial was on. But people still felt betrayed. Buried somewhere, but certainly not lost was the realization this was the "October Surprise" that carried Reagan to victory in the 1980 election. That this clandestine operation was a political ploy in order to win an election.

Certainly not going to be the first time. But it's no wonder that, with Watergate, the stain of scandal on the highest office in the land was going to become more the norm than the exception in the future. We were now about to embark on another public display of the worst traits capable of human beings, cloaked in the banner of patriotism but mired in the mud of hypocrisy and seething with the sneer of arrogance.

And what progress? None.

So a reminder of this watershed and pivotal day via ABC World News This Week.