I agree with Pintosopher the actual steering column would be a hard thing to bend without collapsing half the car. And, even if it was bent the rag joint should remove a fair amount of any oddity that would cause excessive rack wear. The rag joint (generally with a short shaft) is an extension between the steering column and the steering rack. It typically has a universal joint on one or both ends and in between (the "rag" part) is a pliable rubber disc that couples the two ends. The rubber acts as a vibration absorber. The attached image is an example of (not actual Pinto) the rag joint and shaft. The "rag" part being the white fiber embedded rubber near the lower right hand corner.
I'm going to take a guess here and say the rag joint and its extending parts (shaft) is what the mechanic is calling the "steering column." In fact, it is an extension of it. I'm going to also guess that the "bent" aspect is a failed rag joint that would appear bent as it becomes a flopping joint.
OK, these are logical, reasonable guesses. But see what others have to say before running with this concept. It could be that the rag joint is good but the attaching rag joint shaft is bent. But that shaft is not the steering column. I have the oddball '73 steering rack and a hybrid 90's Mustang coupling rag joint to adapt the Turbo Coupe steering column to the '73 rack. So specifically what Ford used in 1980 is not known exactly to me.
Lastly if you can give a general location it would be helpful when looking for parts. A lot of people wouldn't reply if it involves shipping on their end..., but if local for pick up you have a better chance for replies.