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 upcoming book. The honesty with which he stepped forward and talked about the problem. And hope it gave me hope to read it, ”said Mr. Biden.
Norah O’Donnell, anchor and editor-in-chief of the CBS Evening News, spoke to Mr. Biden in the first network news interview he’s delivered since his inauguration. It airs in the 4:00 pm preceding the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Hunter Biden, the youngest son of Mr. Biden, has been struggling with drug addiction his entire life. He was discharged from the Navy Reserve in 2014 after failing a drug test and undergoing treatment at a rehab center.
Mr. Biden told O’Donnell that he felt his family’s struggles were recognizable to many Americans.
“You know, I bet there isn’t a family you know who doesn’t have someone in the family with a drug problem or an alcohol problem,” Mr. Biden said.
Hunter Biden was a frequent target of former President Trump on the campaign trail. At the first presidential debate, Mr Trump falsely said Hunter Biden was dishonorable discharged from the army. Hunter Biden was given an administrative discharge after testing positive for cocaine.
In that same debate, Mr. Biden acknowledged that his son had problems with drugs.
“He made it, he worked on it,” said the former vice president. ‘I’m proud of him. I’m proud of my son.’
Hunter Biden will release a memoir called “Beautiful Things” from Gallery Books in April, a print from Simon & Schuster. Simon & Schuster is a division of ViacomCBS. The book discusses his struggles with substance abuse, as well as his relationship with his family, including his father and late brother, Beau Biden.
The full interview will air Sunday during the 4:00 PM ET hour leading up to the Super Bowl, only on CBS.
Watch Part 1 of Norah O’Donnell’s interview with President Biden: Biden says it is “unnecessary” for Trump to still receive information briefings