Absolutely true, but it's not a distinction that will be made when comedians let rip with their latest Rush riff on SNL, Leno, Letterman, or HBO. Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, Al Franken, and the rest of their ilk aren't about to say "oh, but there's a difference" when they bring up the subject of Rush's addiction. When some reporter asks the demonrat presidential candidate what (s)he thinks of Rush's latest remarks in 2004, you can bet the response will have something to do with him falling off the wagon and needing another stint in the Betty Ford Center.
I'm sorry to say so, but this isn't something that will be erased from the public perception after a month in rehab. Rush is going to be dogged by this throughout the 2004 campaign and beyond.
By whom?