Biden says his son Hunter’s book “gave me hope”

In an exclusive interview with CBS News, President Joe Biden said he felt “my boy” when he started reading his son Hunter’s next book. “The honesty with which he stepped forward and spoke about the problem. And the hope that – it gave me hope to read it,” Biden said.

Norah O’Donnell, presenter and editor of “CBS Evening News,” spoke to Mr Biden in the first network interview he has given since taking office. It will air Sunday at 4 p.m. before the Super Bowl.

Hunter Biden, Mr Biden’s youngest son, has struggled with drug addiction his entire life. He was released from the Naval Reserve in 2014 after failing a drug test and sought treatment at rehabilitation centers.

Mr Biden told O’Donnell that he believes his family’s struggles are linked to many Americans.

“You know, I bet there isn’t a family that you know that doesn’t have anyone in the family who has a drug problem or a drinking problem,” Mr. Biden said.

Hunter Biden was a frequent target of former President Trump during the election campaign. During the first presidential debate, Mr. Trump falsely said Hunter Biden was dishonorably fired from the military. Hunter Biden received an administrative discharge after testing positive for cocaine.

In the same debate, Mr Biden admitted that his son had drug problems.

“He fixed it, he worked on it,” the former vice president said. “I’m proud of him. I’m proud of my son.”

Hunter Biden is set to publish a memoir in April titled “Beautiful Things” by Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Simon & Schuster is a division of ViacomCBS. The book will discuss his substance abuse issues, as well as his relationship with his family, including his father and late brother, Beau Biden.

The full interview will air Sunday at 4 p.m. ET before the Super Bowl, only on CBS.

Watch Part One of Norah O’Donnell’s Interview with President Biden: Biden says Trump “doesn’t need” further information briefings