Who is Patrick from Generation of Swine: Tales of Shame and Degradation in the '80s and what is their importance?

Patrick "Pat" Buchanan is the White House Communications Director under Ronald Reagan from 1985 to 1987. While Thompson's politics are far to the left of the very conservative Buchanan, Thompson still has an immense respect for Buchanan's political instincts and rhetorical skills. Buchanan also worked as a speech writer for Richard Nixon, but escaped punishment during Watergate. However, Thompson believes at the beginning of the Iran-Contra hearings that Buchanan will be forced to testify and possibly sent to jail. Buchanan is never forced to testify and instead leaves the White House to make a run for the presidency himself in 1988.