However, we might want to be careful about knee-jerk reactions to unflattering anecdotes about historical figures. The statistics on the incidence of homosexuality in the general population suggest that there probably have been gay presidents in the past, and Buchanan seems a more likely candidate than most. I find it interesting that whenever someone speculates about a person's sexual orientation most academics still become nervous. To see Buchanan's possible homosexual relationship compared to sensational rumors such as LBJ's conspiracy to kill JFK or John Quincy Adam's rumored bordello baffles me. When a biographer suggests that there is evidence that someone may have been gay, that doesn't mean they are spreading rumors about some lack of character.
Sexuality is sexuality.
And sexuality does effect someones outlook, world view, and even political beliefs. On the other hand, since the term homosexuality didn't exist in Buchanan's time, it is very difficult to speculate on just what the nature of his relationship with his male companion was. I find the whole issue refreshing. In my career, I've been asked by several students if Buchanan was gay. I'm glad someone is willing to explore the issue.