This is the kind of thing the Soviets used to do to trap people and then use them as assets.

But it was only possible because this is almost certainly what he's into. If it was a pure, 100% set-up he would not be putting it on depression and then checking into rehab. He'd be screaming from the hilltops that it's all bullshit and be providing receipts.

He can bounce back, though. But he'll have to come out and own up to the extent of his drug abuse. His calling might not be in elected office but in political analysis or lobbying or something.