>>First step to what? Absolute sobriety?

In this case, the step over which he hesitated was Rehab. Couldn't quite get that foot across the threshold.

>>Maybe the type of person that feels down about themselves and wants to drink to feel better, doesn't need your finger in their face telling them to live up to standards typically reserved for Saints (who still drink wine with little bits of crackers).

You need to find somewhere else to paste your finger-waggling diatribe. ;-) My knowledge is that he came to a conference, was an absolute winner, showed infectious pleasure at seeing Clinton in person, and did not drink afaics. That's it- except that there would have been a place for him at our booth last month and will be again if he's available and has things sorted.