7. Lyndon Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson was a beloved president that dealt with a serious and very public homosexual scandal just before his re-election in 1964. The 36th President of the United States entrusted his aide Walter Jenkins with his career, speeches and pretty much everything. In 1964 Jenkins was caught in a local YMCA while making love to another man. At this time in the US being caught in a homosexual affair meant the end of a political career and arrest.
Since aides spend every waking moment with their boss many thought that Johnson knew about the man’s sexuality and was even romantically involved with the Jenkins. After the YMCA scandal first hit papers Johnson was at a loss as to what he should do about it. He really battled with having to let go of his most trusted advisor and spoke in depth about it with his wife and other staff. After Jenkins was arrested and charged in the YMCA, Johnson still won the presidential election weeks later.
Discussion about this post