#LadyGraham went viral -- and not just because of Lindsey Graham's politics

[marmar]

from the Washington Post:


#LadyGraham went viral — and not just because of Lindsey Graham’s politics
The long history behind sexual rumors about political bachelors.

By Thomas Balcerski
Thomas Balcerski teaches history at Eastern Connecticut State University and is author of “Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan and William Rufus King.”

June 10, 2020 at 6:00 a.m. EDT


Last week, the hashtag #LadyGraham exploded on social media in response to allegations made on Twitter by gay adult-film star Sean Harding against Sen. Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina (the hashtag, along with the abbreviated form “Lady G,” purportedly refers to Graham’s nickname among male sex workers). What followed has been a mixed bag of political commentary, wanton speculation and downright trolling.

While the #LadyGraham hashtag is a reflection of the coarseness of our politics and fury toward Graham for his embrace of President Trump and his policies, rumors about politicians’ sex lives are nothing new in American history.

From George Washington to Trump, illicit sexual liaisons have spanned more than two centuries of American politics. Of the 44 men elected president, the historian Robert P. Watson has estimated, seven engaged in sexual affairs during their time in office, while many more were mired in scandal before their election. Though the nature of these affairs differ, they share one factor in common: Gossip has swirled about them.

.....(snip).....

Today, as long ago, lifelong bachelorhood continues to be a liability for politicians like Graham regardless of party. Even as the institution of marriage evolves, suspicions about bachelorhood largely have not. Behind the gossip about Graham and others lay the remnants of a stubbornly pernicious idea: the presumption of heterosexuality for those in positions of power. When combined with the tradition of sexual gossip embedded in American political culture, the sex lives of elected officials, and especially the unmarried, will continue to be grist for the rumor mill. ...........(more)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/06/10/ladygraham-went-viral-not-just-because-lindsey-grahams-politics/

[Miigwech]

1. Out lindsey just as we out racist cops

Sorry lindsey, time is up for hiding while you devastate the Civil Rights of Gay Americans. No more protecting yourself, a liar, a fraud, a sexual abuser with your NDA's ... no tears.

[mercuryblues]

2. Yup. What ever is about to drop

(if anything) South Carolina republicans are stuck with him on the ballot.

[Meadowoak]

5. Sean Harding claims to have pictures.

[Chemisse]

3. Yikes! His voters won't like this one bit!

[idziak4ever1234]

4. I think the "Lady G" moniker is worse for him than being ripped out of the closet.