Replies

Sean Hannity: "You just heard the announcement towards the end of his program today...Rush just as he was ending talked about some of the issues that were in the paper about him in recent days and has admitted that he is addicted to prescription pain medication and is going to enter a treatment center."

"I've known about some of his pain problems and the surgical issue he dealt with about his lower back and that it was an unsuccessful surgery, and as a result of that he had ongoing chronic pain issues. That I knew as a friend of his. I knew he had herniated disc problems and a whole series of medical issues and setbacks over really the last decade. I know the Rush critics out there that want to see any conservatives fall on their face crowd will probably enjoy...real true liberal compassion will show its true colors...This is not the first time I've known somebody this has happened to in my life and the only thing I can say is...[Sean's success] would not have happened if Rush had not embraced me..."

Hannity: "My definition of friendship doesn't begin in the good times. It's easy to be friends with someone when they're helping out and you're getting something from somebody...those of you that may be quick to judge, what has he given you over the course of 15 years, what has he provided you over the course of 15 years...I feel very confident based on all that he's going through and the very courageous stand he took today he is dealing with an issue that has come up in his life...and I believe his true friends and supporters will be there for him. This does not diminish all the great things he has done for conservativism, Republicans, and the radio industry... If you are truly a compassionate liberal you will not take such glee... If you've been through the same kind of operation and experienced the same kind of pain... This is a good man. This guy has done tremendous work and has been a force for good in this country...and radio...and a good close personal friend. And we look forward to him being back behind the microphone...our thoughts and our prayers are with him. And our friendship is with him in his tougher hours. Rush, we love you, Godspeed, we wish you back soon, you have been a role model in spite of what you said today about yourself...we'll be praying for you." (Sounds slightly choked up.)