California, September 1975. Within a span of 17 days and less than 90 miles, two women, working separately, tried to assassinate the president of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. These are the only two times we know of that a woman has tried to assassinate an American president.

The first, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, was already infamous as a prominent follower of cult leader Charles Manson.

The second, Sara Jane Moore, was a 45 year-old housewife who infiltrated San Francisco's violent radical underground working undercover for the FBI.

The story of one strange and violent Summer, this season on RIP CURRENT.

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By the early 70s, most of America rejects the values promoted by the youth of what we call “the 60s.” Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, aims a gun at Gerald Ford and pulls the trigger.

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After a troubled, but conventional upbringing, Lynette Fromme is kicked out of her house and becomes one of Charles Manson’s earliest followers. She embraces this marginal, communal life, even after the shocking Tate/LaBianca murders.

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After the conviction of Charles Manson and a number of his followers, Lynette Fromme’s life centers around aiding Manson from outside prison. A young family comes into her orbit with deadly consequences.

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In Sacramento, Lynette Fromme and Sandra Good send anonymous threatening letters to corporate leaders they feel are ruining the environment. After Fromme’s failed assassination attempt, authorities try to figure out how it was allowed to happen.

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Did Lynette Fromme really intend to kill Gerald Ford, or was she just trying to draw attention to the environment or Charles Manson? Gerald Ford emerges from the wreckage of the Nixon administration to become the first president to not appear on a presidential ballot.

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A look at the scandals that brought down the Nixon White House.

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Patty Hearst is kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. As the nation tries to understand who the SLA are, her father helps organize the People in Need program to feed the poor around San Francisco.

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