The third-party contender's comments followed a foreign policy-tinged speech to Chicago business leaders and appeared to further his pledge to shake up the 2000 race.

"I welcome the support of any individual who supports me and supports my agenda," Buchanan said, citing as an example his alliance with Lenora Fulani, a black liberal who has pledged to court gays and other minority voters for his candidacy.

"They're welcome in the Buchanan cause," he said.

But the former two-time Republican presidential candidate's message apparently had not resonated with about a dozen gay and lesbian protesters outside the restaurant where Buchanan spoke. Amid chants of, "Bigot leave now," the protesters displayed signs saying, "Stop the hate" and "Buchanan we detest you and your two-faced politics."

The Reform Party shares many of Buchanan's conservative economic views. But it has been largely libertarian on abortion, gay rights and other social issues that have been sources of controversy for the former television commentator during the last three presidential campaigns.

Buchanan jumped to the Reform Party following a 35-year affiliation with the GOP, adding yet another colorful personality to a political camp that includes ex-wrestler and Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and H. Ross Perot.

Some observers say the break from the Republican Party and the endorsement of Fulani sends a mixed message to voters. "I don't necessarily disagree with that," Buchanan said.

Still, Buchanan said he represents a clear alternative to Texas Gov. George W. Bush, calling him a "virtual Xerox copy" of President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore.

Buchanan again criticized the United State's support of China's entry into the World Trade Organization, saying it jeopardized U.S. economic leverage over the nation.

"In my view, we gave away our trump card," he said. "And Bush went along with Clinton."

He also continued to blast the Clinton administration's foreign policy initiatives in Serbia and drew mild applause when he called the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo an "illegal, immoral and unjust war."

But Buchanan labeled Clinton's policies toward Israel and Ireland "good deeds" because they have avoided the commitment of front-line troops.

"That's the role of a great country," Buchanan said. "Blessed are the peacemakers."

The Kosovo conflict also has "antagonized Russia and Greece," Buchanan said. He said U.S. support of the eastward expansion of the NATO alliance would further alienate relations with Russia.

"It seems to me that we're throwing away the fruits of our Cold War victory," Buchanan said.