I listened to part of the conversation. I agree that it seemed like a performance from Rush. Rather than speaking hard truths and having a real conversation, it seemed like he was pandering.
Rush was giving stock answers because Rush knew it was a waste of time trying to “get deep” with this fellow.
Proverbs says that the wise can be rebuked and will love you for it but fools will only scorn you.
No it didn't. Rush is the eternal optimist and decided you have to reach out in order to make a break though. All TBC wanted to do was through wild unproven accusations at him and Rush was having none of it. There was no pandering. He held fast.