I don't want an untreated alcoholic as president of the U.S.

[pdmike]

That is precisely what we have with Bush and will continue to have if he is reelected.

He "stopped drinking" in 1986. Why did he stop drinking? I didn't see any health reasons cited. That only leaves one thing.

And he never went to AA - never tried to get any help in coping with life's problems without alcohol. That's called "white knuckling" it.
And it almost always produces disastrous results.

Let's get someone in there who is sober, calm and in control. That would be John Kerry, wouldn't it?

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

1. It's all part of being "born again"

which is another way of saying you have all the same old problems, except now you cover them up and pray a lot.

[KingChicken]

2. Don't forget all his other psychological problems

He's nuts by all accounts, mabey bi-polor, he seems like he try's to hide his radical change in mood with meds and limited access.

[Jackpine Radical]

3. "Untreated alcoholic?"

Now that you mention it, U.S. Grant wasn't much of a president either, but he was a lot more harmless than what we have now.

[pdmike]

4. Practicing v. Untreated

I don't think Grant ever stopped drinking, did he? There are many, functional alcoholics who attend to business just fine and then crap out in the evening and/or on the weekends. Give me one of those any time as opposed to a white knuckling, untreated alcoholic who is trying to stay sober on will power and a little prayer.

[Clovis Sangrail]

5. so what

I take offense to your insinuation that alcoholics can't be trusted... or that ones who've stopped without the assistance of AA are somehow "untreated".

There's no such thing as a "cured" alcoholic, it doesn't work that way... and "treated" is only as relevant as the person makes it.

I want * out of there too, but you damn alcoholics you're damning a lot of people on this board.

[H2O Man]

6. Actually a large number of people

are able to not only quit drinking, but also address other related issues without professional help or AA. That really shouldn't be the measure. It might be better to focus on the need for insight and for a support system that is willing and able to be honest with you .... both are needed to be successful at recovery from addiction or to be a good politician.

Another person mentioned Bush having some other problems. I think that most people who have worked in the mental health field would agree that he exhibits some symptoms of a personality disorder. Might be a whole cluster of things with him. Watch how he reacts to losing the election. (Hint: while most republicans are recognizing that the American public is going to elect Kerry, Bush fully views this in religious terms ... he sees his advisors as showing weakness and doubt, and believes that the Lord will come through and reward him with a victory for his "faith." When he loses, he will be an interesting study.)

[Jackpine Radical]

8. Let us..uh..pray that we get to find out what kind of a loser he is.

[sr_pacifica]

7. Yes, he's a classic dry drunk.

Won't take responsibility, black-and-white, all-or-nothing thinking.