Hunter Biden’s recent guilty verdict adds a significant development to the 2024 presidential campaign between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
For President Biden, this verdict challenges Republican accusations of a biased Justice Department and its supposed misuse against political opponents. Nonetheless, it is a deeply personal blow for Biden, who is known for his close-knit family ties. His immediate trip to Delaware to be with his son highlights the emotional impact this verdict has on him.
David Axelrod, a former senior adviser in the Obama administration, noted the profound psychological effect on Biden. “Joe Biden has lost two children and witnessed his son struggle with addiction. This verdict is a substantial blow,” Axelrod mentioned on his podcast, “Hacks on Tap.”
Trump’s campaign also faces a dilemma on how to navigate this issue. Trump has often demanded a special counsel to investigate the Biden family and has accused President Biden of corruption. However, Trump has also spoken about his family’s battles with addiction, making it a delicate subject to attack.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump commented, “It’s a very tough situation for a father, a brother, or a sister. It’s a tough moment for any family dealing with addiction.”
Hunter Biden was convicted of three federal gun charges for lying about his drug addiction when purchasing a firearm, just days after Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments and falsifying business records. The reactions to these verdicts were starkly different. Trump lashed out at the judge and deemed the trial “rigged,” whereas Hunter Biden and his father accepted the jury’s decision while acknowledging the younger Biden’s recovery journey.
Michael LaRosa, the press secretary for Jill Biden during the 2020 campaign, remarked on the contrasting responses: “This speaks to the character contrast between the two candidates: a family man versus a businessman. Trump and his family throw tantrums and attack the judicial system, while the Bidens show humility and respect for the process, even when faced with a heartbreaking outcome.”
Republicans are left to ponder the implications of Hunter Biden’s conviction. Stewart Verdery, a former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, observed, “The conviction provides a ‘But Hunter’ rebuttal to criticisms of Trump’s ethics. However, since it involves personal behavior rather than official actions, it may be more of a soundbite than a substantial argument.”
Despite the potential for political exploitation, the personal nature of Hunter Biden’s trial may deter Republicans from making it a central campaign issue. One Republican strategist pointed out that the case involves gun rights and addiction, areas where GOP voters might sympathize with Hunter Biden.
As the election approaches, Hunter Biden faces additional legal challenges, including a separate trial on federal tax charges scheduled for September, and his sentencing for the gun case later this year. Trump, too, is embroiled in multiple legal battles, including cases related to the 2020 election and handling of classified documents, though these are unlikely to go to trial before Election Day.
These legal battles may influence the presidential debate in June, offering a glimpse into how both campaigns will address their respective courtroom dramas. So far, the Biden campaign has labeled Trump a “convicted criminal” and mocked his availability on trial-free Wednesdays. Meanwhile, Trump’s attacks on the Biden family have been more subdued since Hunter Biden’s conviction.
The emotional toll on Biden could resonate with voters. In his statement following the verdict, Biden expressed empathy for families dealing with addiction, highlighting the pride in seeing loved ones overcome such struggles.
Kate Bedingfield, former White House communications director, emphasized that Biden’s candid discussions about his family during the 2020 campaign resonated with many, including those not politically aligned with him. She noted on CNN, “People connected with the way he supported his son and talked about his family.”