The 4 packs a day is somewhat alarming, if only because I like and respect Bill and would hate to see him check out early on account of an out-of-control nicotine jones. On a real bad day, I can't get up to two packs with making myself sick. Four packs in one day is unimaginable.
As far as borderline alcoholic, at his age, you're either an alcoholic or you're not. If Bill likes to drink a little bit, I don't know why that should concern you, or how it invalidates his analysis in any way.
As far as I'm concerned, this story only brings to light the fact that Bill Bennett is not Jesus Christ. I already knew that. He still makes great sense when he speaks.