In an exclusive interview with CBS News, President Joe Biden said he felt “my son’s back” when he started reading his son Hunter’s next book. “The honesty with which he came forward and talked about the problem. And the hope that – it gave me hope when I read it,” said Biden.
CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell spoke to Biden in the first interview he has given since taking office. It will air at 4pm before the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Hunter Biden, Biden’s youngest son, battled drug addiction throughout his life. He was discharged from the Navy Reserve in 2014, after failing a drug test, and sought treatment at rehabilitation clinics.
Biden told O’Donnell that he felt his family’s struggles were related to many Americans.
“You know, I bet there is no family you know who doesn’t have someone in the family who has problems with drugs or alcohol,” said Biden.
Hunter Biden was a frequent target of former President Trump in the election campaign. In the first presidential debate, Mr Trump falsely said Hunter Biden he was dishonorably discharged from military service. Hunter Biden received administrative discharge after his positive test for cocaine.
In the same debate, Biden acknowledged that his son has drug problems.
“He fixed it, he worked on it,” said the former vice president. “I am proud of him. I am proud of my son.”
Hunter Biden is due to release a memoir in April called “Beautiful Things” by Gallery Books, a Simon & Schuster brand. Simon & Schuster is a division of ViacomCBS. The book will discuss his struggles with substance abuse, as well as his relationship with his family, including his late father and brother, Beau Biden.
The full interview will air on Sunday at 4 pm Eastern time, before the Super Bowl, only on CBS.
Watch Part 1 of Norah O’Donnell’s interview with President Biden: Biden says “no need” for Trump to still receive intelligence briefings