In a revealing new book, Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, emerges as a pivotal figure in his father's re-election campaign, shaping decisions while becoming a source of deep personal concern for the president.
According to Fox News, a new book details how Hunter Biden played a significant role in campaign strategy, while his legal troubles weighed heavily on Joe Biden, ultimately contributing to a pardon and the president's exit from the 2024 presidential race.
During Joe Biden's bid for re-election in 2024, his son Hunter was far more than a family member on the sidelines. Hunter frequently joined phone calls with his father, offering input and helping shape key campaign choices. According to a new book, Hunter was seen as a central presence in the president's inner circle during this critical period.
Josh Dawsey, co-author of "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America," alongside Tyler Pager and Isaac Arnsdorf, sheds light on this dynamic. Dawsey notes that Hunter's involvement went beyond casual advice, often actively participating in discussions. "What we found out over the course of reporting for our book is, Hunter Biden [was] a major figure in the president's orbit," Dawsey said. "He was often on these calls, he would pipe in to calls, he was helping him make campaign decisions, and the president was very concerned about his son," Dawsey added. "It was one of the things that was an albatross on him as he tried to run for re-election," Dawsey concluded. Meanwhile, Joe Biden grappled with mounting worries about Hunter's well-being amid legal challenges.
The former president viewed his son's struggles as a heavy burden during the campaign. He feared that Hunter might face conviction in court, a concern that loomed large over his focus. Dawsey explained, "He's just constantly worried about him, he thinks that the prosecutors are trying to break him and, as you see, ultimately, he decides to pardon his son."
These personal concerns collided with a demanding political schedule in June 2024. Biden had significant international engagements in Europe and faced his first debate against Donald Trump. That debate performance was widely criticized, adding to the mounting pressure on the president.
Amid these events, Biden's thoughts often turned to Hunter's legal fate. "One of the scenes in the book is that the president has a big month ahead in June of 2024," Dawsey shared. "He has European [events]. He has the first debate with Donald Trump, as you saw that didn't go so well. But the thing he's telling his friends he's always concerned about is that his son is not convicted in this court," Dawsey elaborated.
Biden even offered to testify on Hunter's behalf, showcasing the depth of his commitment. This protective instinct eventually led to a significant decision regarding Hunter's legal situation. The president chose to issue a pardon for his son, a move that drew widespread attention.
Hunter, for his part, expressed mixed feelings about his father's campaign. Calling in from Los Angeles, he supported whatever path Biden chose to take. He also hinted at wanting more personal time with his father, saying, "I sure would love having you back."
This comment reflected Hunter's belief that the presidency consumed much of Biden's attention. Behind closed doors, Hunter reportedly confided to others about hoping his father might step away from the race. This personal sentiment aligned with broader pressures facing the Biden campaign.
By July 2024, after the faltering debate against Trump, Biden faced growing calls from top Democrats to end his re-election bid. The combination of political setbacks and personal strain took a toll on the president. Ultimately, Joe Biden announced his exit from the presidential race that month.
The decision marked a dramatic turn in a campaign already fraught with challenges. Hunter's presence, both as a campaign influence and a source of worry, played a notable role in this saga. The Wall Street Journal published an excerpt of Dawsey's book on a Thursday, bringing these details to public attention.
The book offers a window into the complex interplay between family and politics. It paints a picture of a president torn between national duties and personal loyalty. Joe Biden's concern for Hunter underscored many of his decisions during a turbulent campaign.
For readers, the account provides insight into how personal matters can shape political outcomes. The narrative of Hunter's involvement and Biden's eventual withdrawal resonates as a deeply human story. It captures the weight of familial bonds amid the high stakes of a presidential race.