Hunter Biden Opens Up About Addiction and the Trump Campaign | Pod Save America
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
- Tommy Vietor sits down with Hunter Biden to discuss his new book, Beautiful Things; his struggles with addiction; and learning how to stay strong while being attacked by the Trump campaign.
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Crooked believes that we need a better conversation about politics, culture, and the world around us-one that doesn’t just focus on what’s broken, but what we can do to fix it. At a time when it’s increasingly easy to feel cynical or hopeless, former Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor have created a place where people can have sane conversations that inform, entertain, and inspire action. In 2017 they started Crooked with Pod Save America-a no-bullshit conversation about politics. Since then, we continue to add shows, voices, and opportunities for activism, because it’s up to all of us to do our part to build a better world. That’s it. End of mission.
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Most winning moment from any of the presidential debates was when Rump attacked Hunter and Joe said "He's my son; he has struggled to overcome his addiction; and I am so proud of him." Lovely interview, Tommy.
Yep. Joe Biden's ability to be a good person despite losing two kids, and having that type of just... horribleness thrown at him. It is an inspiration.
@@e22ddie46 Interesting take on the situation. Don't you think it's concerning that his daughter's diary suggests inappropriate showers with her dad Joe Biden (not denied by the daughter)? Don't you think it's concerning that he knows his son had an affair with his dead son's wife? Don't you think it's concerning that his dead son's wife then messaged JB about her concern about HB's behaviour around her 13 year old daughter and which he ignored? Don't you think it concerning that he has been pictured naked with said 13 year old niece? Don't you think it concerning that he has been pictured in acts with other family members? Don't you think it concerning that Obamas daughter's credit card was pictured on his laptop next to seemingly cocaine? Don't you think it concerning that messages between JB, HB and others clearly show HB was acting as the family office for bribes from China and Ukraine whilst JB has been in office? I mean this could be misinformation and fake news if it literally wasn't evidenced in photos and messages if you cared to open your mind and investigate. But carry on finding them inspirational and living a lie.
I was so proud of joe for remembering the name of his son
@@ln5747 doesn't take too much digging to find your statement lacking in evidence
@@paulasparrow3571 you're in denial. Carry on living a lie. The evidence is clear as day and can not be disputed; photos, videos and messages can not be argued against.
I'm an alcoholic and I have so appreciated Hunter's openness about this struggle. Even if our problems are different in scale and proximity to power, addiction is a burden and I'm so impressed he was so open about his challenge.
I know! He sounds great--in that he sounds humble--doesn't he? I was expwcting a little Charlie Sheen or Ben Affleck, "Sober Celebrity Bullshit". But Hunter sounds like he's probably actually going to AA meetings and actually staying sober. Hard to be certain, since he's not "bragging" about it--but there's the "catch22", the ones who brag about "all the work" they're doing rarely stay sober. Hunter SOUNDS like someone actually working the 12 steps, I hope he continues.
@@Karina-Loves-Andreas gugugugguugugggguugggugugugguuugugguuuuuuugguuugggugggggggggggguuugugguuuuuuuguguuuguguggggggggggguuuuugguuuuuuuuugguuuuuuuuuggguggggguuuuuugugugggggugugugugguuuuugugggugguuggguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggggggggguuggguggugugguguuugugguguguuuguggugguguggugu th gug uhh gug uhh gu
@@mercedesrichardson6132 sweetheart, take your phone out of your yoga pants.
@@carbine090909 LOL.
@@mercedesrichardson6132 got one word for you Sweetheart and it rhymes with grunt.
Something about him referring to Joe as "my Dad" is so touching and real. Not "'my father", he's "my Dad". I dunno. The love is so evident.
Dad has an affectionate feel to the word...father is kind of stiff. I have a birth father and a Dad. I have no negative feelings towards my birth father, there weren't father's rights when I was young...kids stayed with the mother...I sometimes think I would have benefited from an extra parent. Positive vibes from New Hampshire and remember to be kind to each other and yourself during this pandemic and social crisis
I too felt that genuine love Hunter and his “Dad” have for one another. [I noted Tommy’s prowess & delicacy elsewhere-]👍🏽
I've seen many interviews with Hunter about his book. Nothing matched this. Hunter is obviously uncomfortable. But he obviously trusts Tommy. An amazingly honest interview. You both deserve hugs for going to that level of empathy.
As the sister of an addict, this interview and Hunter Biden's memoir resonated hard with me. I see a lot of my brother and me in his stories of him and Beau. It's taken me years to realize that unconditional love can't protect someone from addiction or save them from it, nor is it some foolish thing that "enables" them - it's just a gift you can choose to give alongside their journey. Thanks Tommy for asking great questions and also opening up a bit about your own family to remind us everyone grapples with these difficult issues like cancer, addiction, loss, and grief in their own way.
IF you read these comments, Hunter--you don't really need MY encouragement, I suspect you're getting lots of encouragement from a sponsor and a home group. My fingers are crossed for you, my friend--you sound humble & sincere. THAT'S >50% of the battle. Just know this: lots of us are cheering you on, keep it simple, just like it sounds like you're doing. Perhaps we'll meet in a church basement one of these days. I promise--good things lie ahead if you keep going, one day at a time.❤
I really didn’t know much about Hunter prior to this interview, but I really think this interview that a lot of people could connect with. I feel like his story really adds a level of humanity and empathy to the Biden’s that most people could relate to in some way.
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O yea. Did he mention the daughter that he fails to recognize his.
@@floridamanrides863 he actually has, just because you don't see pictures all over the internet doesn't mean he doesn't have contact
Empathy emanates empathy; that's what made this interview special. Thank you!
He wasn't alowed to ask hunter any real questions.
Geez, 5 minutes in and here I am crying... it’s so sad when we lose those who are so meaningful to us.
When Hunter spoke on being attacked, he continued to mention the love family that made him strong enough to endure. Love of family and friends can be a powerful healer. Great interview Tommy and Hunter.
Great interview. Appreciate Tommy being straightforward about parts of his own story. None of us is able to escape suffering. I'm not going to lie: I sometimes find it hard to muster sympathy for folks like Hunter who have had a lot of privilege and who create a lot of anguish for their families. But I'm working on that, and this interview helped.
RESPECT!!!
Honestly, I'm in much the same place as you. Not exactly... but I've been actively trying to expand my understanding of others.
We have to, after all, if we are going to REACH those "others" in the ways we need for growth and change.
(But, it's still difficult not to "bristle" as I drive by Mcmansions with Trump signs 🤷♀️🥵😝)
I think you'd be making Biden and his family proud by what you doing as they are all about widening your empathy for others.
I listened to his book on Audible, it was narrated by him and loved the book, i come from a family of addicts and I live in LA. Highly recommend the book.
@@aloekat9052 Thanks for the reminder that we can listen to this book on Audible. I have a bunch of credits to use. 🦋
@@KOKO-uu7yd A long time psychologist named Gabor Mate´ is probably the best there is in explaining addiction & how it is a mental health problem. Highly recommend if you want to cultivate an understanding for it. (he has talks & interviews on YT)
"Why do I do drugs? Because they WORK! .... until they Don't" -----> YES! THIS!!!!
No one wants to live in misery. We ALL look for ways to deal or escape. Let's HELP, yes? REAL help? WITHOUT all the judgemental baggage?!? (I'm looking at YOU, "moral far right" folks!!)
"Morality", like addition, is self-sufficient and powers itself.
Amazing how brave he is. I can’t even begin to imagine what he’s going through.
Indeed! So many "good Christians" use all of this to attack and abuse - but all I see is HUMANITY and STRENGTH. I have so much respect for these aspects...
I actually never heard him speak before. His humility and acknowledgment of his own privilege are refreshing.
Thank you guys for doing this. The way his story has been twisted by the right is so fucking absurd, almost any American family can relate to what he's been through.
@K Kp k.
Hunter successfully fought a battle borne of loss. What a remarkable young man ! What a remarkably loving family! The Trumps lack such intense affection.
What a brave man!
You can tell that he was raised with Love.
I am crying with goosebumps listening to him.
I am so grateful that his dad is our president.
Thank you Tommy for this interview.
I will get Hunter's book. 💛
Literally ditto!
I ordered it . Should receive on the seventh
A really absorbing & touching interview. I liked how Tommy asked for clarification on things in an effort to help our understanding. And Hunter's acknowledgement that his experience is different compared to many others. His empathy & honesty shone.
Also, to get a hint of Tommy's experience was an amazing addition & complement to the interview.
I want to know how much illegal money that his dad the big guy took, how hunter is not in prison yet, and I need to see his and his corrupt dad's tax returns asap. If you thing that this is honest than I suggest that you check your moral compass !
Well, you go look & let me know when you have the results.
Thank you for your concern about my moral compass. It's doing well.
That his father still calls him everyday speaks volumes.
His father remembers his # ?
@@finfante1480 No, the fact that he is aware of Hunter’s struggle and cares enough to think of his son each day and check in on him was the point
@@finfante1480 ***crickets***
I love Tommy and Hunter so much. Hunter reminds me of me, I have struggled with addiction of all sorts and he inspires me genuinely. And Tommy....well he's tommy fuckin Vietor need I say more?
Well said! So many are addicts without acknowledging it. Then they constantly attack those who remind them of themselves. I appreciate people like you who can own up to the truth.
Carmen, I could not agree more with every word you said
Some people are predisposed to addictions, it's not a personality flaw, it's in their DNA. Makes life much harder for them. Something I could care less about my husband craves on a daily basis. I wish you well Carmen.
@@katharinesaville6458 It's not even "in the DNA" - it's a bodily reaction to traumas - and we have no idea about someone else's traumas.
Dr. Gabor Mate talks and writes about it.
Also the book "The Body Keeps the Score" by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk addresses the issue well.
I really don't envy the pressure associated with either being related to a celebrity, or being a celebrity themselves. I'm nobody and I'm already stressed out. Even Crooked Media has a footprint that's pretty hard to measure up to. Thank you for what you do and what you endure to get your message (of facts) out.
edit: addiction doesn't need an _excuse_ it powers itself.
Agree...believe being a "celebrity," for any reason, would be nightmare!
Translation: please feel sorry for this president's son who is swimming in ill-gotten gain.
@@socrat33z you missed the point. It's how we deal with hard times, how we feel connected and feel as human beings.
@@davidka8345 you miss the point that the TH-cam channel is running propaganda to try and generate sympathy for an especially corrupt actor
@@socrat33z do I care when you cry? No.
I came to love the Biden family, even I know so little about them, as Canadian Catholic, I felt that I relate to their story, going through so much tragedy, faith heals and help to keep you afloat. I admire the Biden for their kindness and everything about them. God Bless them all🙏. Thanks Tommy for having Hunter today, I love and watch Crooked Media all the time.
Hunter has his issues but he has more class and grace than all of Trump’s kids combined.
they are badly damaged as well. As are we all. So... I forgive them.
@@zaaz1471 Yes, but their acting out is poisonous.
@@zaaz1471 They are sociopaths so I do not forgive them, will never forgive them, and will throw a party if/when they ever face consequences because that's what sociopaths deserve... I am an *extremely* empathic person but I can't seem to bring myself to have empathy for sadists and sociopaths ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Neither Hunter nor any non-sociopath can reasonably be compared to anyone with the surname "Trump"
The difference between the characters of Hunter and Beau vs Don Jr and Eric shows everything you need to know about the difference between Trump and Biden, as well as the power of unconditional love.
Gotta love Tommy. Every interview he does is a gift to us all but this one for me was very real, raw and heartfelt.
I'm SO glad he said, "#1, don't give up hope... it's not about you".
YES! It's a message you can't really understand until you live it.
I didn’t cause it
I can’t cure it
I can’t control it
The only thing is, don't think you have to be, or can be an addict's "Melissa". I took my son's keys, phone, pants... Pants or no pants, they aren't ready until they are ready.
Great interview. Thanks to Tommy and Hunter both for sharing a piece of their stories with us.
Very powerful interview. Hunter seems to be a good guy. I'm glad that he was able to get out of the terrible dark hole of addiction and that he is able to talk about it so sincerely. I'm sure it will help some people. He's got my fullest respect.
Lol, who leaves comments like this. All the comments here seem like an astroturf campaign
You are helping so many in so many ways, getting clean and walking the walk , THANX
Stay strong Hunter...we are with you🙏🏻
Hunter did WTF with Marc Maron a few wks ago and he was just as endearing in that interview except it was almost 90min long. His/Biden's story breaks my heart. Everyone close to them has died horrible tragic deaths. He was as close with his Beau as 2 brothers could be. They named their sons after each other. I'd probably be a fall down wasted addict too. And Joe always their for them...and Hunter thru all of this. He never gave up on him. What amazing people. So much heartbreak & trauma and still around to talk about it. And one is now leader of the free world. Not a bad ending as those things go.
And at such an early age when the brain is developing....shapes and harms the child. He had deep deep loss way too early in his life. You seem like a very empathic person. God bless you!
They are both very strong. My husband passed away and seven years later my youngest son passed at seventeen due to drugs. My only son left is bi polar schizo effective and a no longer using drug addict. His meds aren't working so he is a mess right now. I'm not that strong. I'm angry depressed and resentful and I don't know how to stop. 😭😭😭😭
You’re an inspiration to all of us in Recovery Mr. Biden. You spoke eloquently of the struggle for sobriety, one day at a time . Great interview Tommy, you asked all the questions of Mr Biden that should shut down the GOP’s vile bullying. I’m also really sad for your loss too Tommy. Peace for you both.
I've been clean for 10 years. People still try to shame me. What's important is that I'm not ashamed anymore. I recognize what a huge achievement it was.
That shows a lot about them then.
You have all the reason to be proud in your achievement.
You're da' bomb! So glad you fought and won. Nobody can take recovery away from you!
@@loriomyoreo8224 Thankyou. It was worth it.
Congratulations!
@@NuiYabuko AMEN!!!
A mental health issues, thank you for making it a human issue. No one starts out as a criminal or an addict. These are our children, siblings, parents and our friends. Whether it's drugs, alcohol or suicide we are losing loved ones.
Well done Tommy. You touched my heart in your compassionate interview with Hunter and when you spoke of losing your Dad to cancer, I am so sorry he suffered as you and family suffered with him...Tommy, believe that the love between you and loved ones who pass on before us, will live on FOREVER...I lost my Dad when he was 43 years old to a sudden brain aneurysm decades ago...it was my first year of college, I still get choked up.
Prayers for Hunter's continued recovery. I am proud of him.
Thank you both for this conversation, we need more of this in the world. I see addicts being stigmatized every single day and it’s mind boggling to see people act like it’s a choice. Addiction is a disease and it’s important to see the human behind the addiction that visuals and appearances suggest. Empathy is key.
Tommy you did an excellent job with this interview. You asked the questions we all wanted answers to and you did it with empathy, class and professionalism. Hunter, for a White man from an upper class family to discuss his "crack" addiction is huge. You are helping remove negative stigmas. Addiction is a disease regardless of the drug and regardless of who it impacts. Thank you for being so candid and I'm glad to hear you are better now. I hope you continue to be well.
Open and honest - and he sounds so much like his dad. This family has much to teach the country and help usher in a new mindset.
Absolutely wonderful interview!!!...I wish Hunter nothing but the best!!
I didn't know your Dad died of cancer, Tommy. So sorry for your loss. I got emotional watching you talk about him.
Sorry about your father as well. God bless.
My dad passed when I was 13 and I'm 59 and I still cry about it. There's just a huge void. I'm thankful you shared that with us and sorry to hear the goodbye was so hard and ugly. Life is hard anyway and the only thing that makes it bearable is when we help each other. He would be very proud of you! Just continue to be a good man and fight for what you believe in the best you know how.
👌🏿
I didn’t really pay that much attention to Hunter during the campaign, because unlike Republicans I realized he wasn’t the one running, but listening to this interview has really reinforced the idea that the Biden family is a genuinely good family and they love each other so much. Hunter seems like such a resilient person and I’m so proud of him for getting clean. He’s so right about the fact that there isn’t a person who addiction hasn’t touched, my grandpa and my uncle were both alcoholics, so I am overly careful around alcohol, to the point where people call me a buzzkill but I’m just so scared about going down the same path that they did. Addiction really is a constant guillotine hanging over you, even if it’s just the threat of being genetically predisposed, so to pull yourself out from that place, especially with politicians publicly attacking you, is absolutely a credit to Hunter and his strength and his support system
I lost my Best Friend of 30 years and less than 4 months later my beloved Older Sister. That was back between Oct. 96 and Feb. 97 and to this day it's never easy especially when you were suppose to grow old together. There's never a Daffodil or Pansy that does bring them into my life today. Keep going Hunter and all who are watching who have had the same experience of loss.
When Hunter said "they don't know us" my heart just felt so full for him! All that hate, and it only made them stronger...So happy him!😊
Right? That hit different, not gonna lie. I fixed my posture when he said that!
@@obcl8569 @resheda h I have so much respect for Hunter Biden.He has suffered traumatic losses that underlie his addiction. I think that losing Beau must have been like losing a part of himself because since the day their mother and sister died in a car crash and they were badly injured and in the hospital, they’ve had an unshakable bond. He is humble and he is loved by so many. Joe Biden loves his son unconditionally. When Hunter said “My dad calls me every day.and he has since I left for college” 🙏🏻
@@maryannbrown5762 Your kind comment spoke Hunter Biden's truth and love from his family brilliantly.
Impressed with how open he was about his addiction.
I heard his interview on Marc Maron and thought it was so freaking sweet when he would say “and by the way” bc he sounded just like his dad. It makes it even more sweet when he does that same crooked smile. He seems like such a good dude and I’m glad he’s on the other side of this all. Although with addiction there’s always a constant working at being on the other side, it’s all the more heartening to see him have the fight and perspective he has about it all. Also, I can’t help but think the people who created full house straight up stole their story. Mom dies in a car accident and uncles move in to help the single dad raise the kids? Come on! 🙈
I've never thought of the Full House story before. You're a clever girl
I heard Marc Maron’s interview with Hunter Biden on his podcast WTF. i cried through the whole thing. Marc knows tragic loss, too.
I was relieved to read such positive comments. I was dreading the trolls.
Btw it’s nice to hear a presidents child that isn’t coked out of his mind speaking in catch phrases and talking points. Seems a lot like his dad. Very deep empathy and compassion for humanity and highly sensitive/emotional and that is why he struggled so much with addiction.
No wonder Hunter's dad is proud, I'm proud of him! And I'm proud of Tommy for overcoming and making such a mark in the world. This glimpse of this generation gives me hope!
Yes. Hunter probably is a weak spot to his father, politically speaking - a bit of a liability - but it wasn't Hunter Biden who was on the election ticket, and Trump's efforts to smear and defame Joe Biden through his son indicate a snarling callousness we know only too well after four years with Trump. Anyway, DJT has been helping his own kids to no end, giving them exclusive White House positions they had no real merits for except by being his kids - so he is in no position to call out Joe Biden about any kind of nepotism. What many Republicans don't seem to get is that Hunter Biden and his life struggles invokes sympathy of a whole different kind, in many people, than Ivanka and her Barbiefied rich-man's daughter existence.
@@louise_rose yes it is the craziest thing that Trump is pointing fingers with that set of kids literally leeching off of him! They have to worship Him or they won't be able to live. Jared is literally gaining financially through his marriage for his entire family. And as soon as djtj had divorce Rumours the first thing I said was that she was getting out before the shit hit the fan and legal stuff began. Smart woman. I have to wonder if she won't talk at some point despite her probably amazingly unfair divorce decree.
What a great interview. Kudos Tommy and Hunter.
I am so glad you had Hunter as your guest. Fine interview, Tommy. It takes courage to get honest, to put the truth out there, and to walk the walk of recovery. I can't imagine doing it in the fishbowl of national politics with all the crazies in force, all in your face, watching. Making it through must be a story worth telling.
It's kind of nice to hear Hunter talk just like a "run of the mill" alcoholic, 12 Step Program member (even though he doesn't "break his anonymity"). He sounds surprisingly humble--which is necessary for long term sobriety. No politics, just a recovering alcoholic/addict. If Hunter keeps this up, he's got a very strong shot at a sober, happy life.
He is a lovely man who has clearly been through the shit.
Thank you for this interview, Tommy! Candid and inspiring.
This is as real as it gets. I love my sister as if she was my own child and could not imagine losing her. I always thought that my relationship with my family was strange since they are literally the ones that I could not live without no matter how old I get. We should be seeing more of these stories. This is true love and having this support system is so important. The Biden family is truly beautiful and the fact that they are so understanding and forgiving is incredible ❤️
Being vulnerable will always be your greatest strength to heal and to heal others. Phenomenal interview Tommy, thank you for being the one with your own vulnerability. Much love ❤️
this man has been to hell and back. I'm so proud of him.
I’m so glad I took the time to listen to this interview. Thank you
This was such a great interview I love Tommy so much this has been the best interview I’ve heard w/Hunter talking about this book & his addiction & loss... Tommy did a great job 👏❤️
Thank you for this interview. This is something I need to read to, maybe, reconcile the abuse I suffered at the hands of an alcoholic and his mother. More so though, in order to help people I care about who have loved ones with addictions. And Tommy, I took care of and lost my Mom to cancer--the whole time, she believed she was going to beat it, no matter how many treatments and operations she went through (stubborn Southie Irish woman). So hard to watch but you couldn't help but be there so she wasn't alone. Thanks again. Both of you, take care. --Kate
Defund the war on drugs and treat addiction as a health care issue
BIG(!) thanks Tommy. You've done a huge service on a lot of levels. Onward..
Very moving interview. Thank you.
Hunter is so real, and lays his pain on the line for the benefit of others. I admire & respect him for his open heart. All my prayers to you, Hunter & Melissa, and your beautiful family. Buying yr book - so much addiction in my family. The disgusting thing is addicts like DJT, DJTJ, Giuliani USE good ppls' truths & honesty to distract from their own problems. Keep up the good fight. Not many have been through yr personal Hell, Hunter. Stay true. Ty Tommy for a respectful & revealing interview. 💙
I struggle with substance abuse, mainly alcohol, and compulsion... I really appreciate the honesty and very human element of this interview... wishing you all the best with the journey, Hunter! Glad Rudi, Trump and all that gang weren’t able to break you.
@Ben Mallinson, thank you for your kind msg. of encouragement to Hunter. I wish you continued strength in your own substance abuse journey. Please think of yourself as a friend, be kind to yourself as you would a friend. Self-love is not taught to us...I am altruistic and thought self-love was for selfish egoists; We have to learn to care for our physical health, and the INTERNAL peace of mind of ourselves, through trials and tribulations of life. Best Wishes and Love to you Ben, from NYC.
What a well-conducted interview, and what a common/extraordinary,, ugly/beautiful conversation was held. Tommy’s last words were so eloquent & I feel, captured what very many of us watching the interview felt. Hard topic; extremely well-dealt w/ by both men.
Please give Mr. Biden my most grateful thanks, I am crying because I have a son that is a drug addict and we are at our wit's end, hearing what Hunter had to say give me hope, Thank you again.God bless you.
amazing and moving interview, thank you
tommy has a gift for these human to human interviews.
He moved in a homeless woman off the street that was an also an addict and his party buddy because he was so lonely after his brother died. If that's not rock bottom loneliness I don't know what is.
My understanding is it quickly goes from..."ugh I can never do thattttt again" to "ah well, been there before" very quickly.
I felt this conversation right in the heart. Thanks for sharing🕊
Wow, Tommy. Great interview! You developed a warm open conversation that focused on the humanity of the experience of Hunter.
Tommy... You were new to me in the media world. I want to tell you how important I feel this interview was. And, I believe that the sensible, rational people in the universe would have known that Hunter was never the thing Rudy created. I also believe that, if there's criminality, Hunter seems to display a "normal" behavior, unlike the creepy, shady appearance a trump conveys.
I worked with adolescents in a residential facility and Hunter did not mince his words and offered an honest, compassionate voice of experience, strength and hope we pray everyone struggling can find.
Thanks again.
Trauma most definitely leads to substance and habit abuse. It’s not an excuse but it is most definitely a potential trigger. It’s tough and we all have our limits when we deal with loss and grief. But I think what is essential is how we deal with people who are touched by addiction; loving them and understanding them paramount to their recovery, precisely because addicts are more often than not hardest on themselves.
My sister and I grew up with grief and addiction. We lost cousins, uncles, close family friends, and three of our grandparents to violence or illness before I ever reached adulthood. She's 5 years older, we didn't always get along as kids, but that bonded us. We held each other up at funerals starting from a young age. The only reason neither of us fell to addiction was because we both saw what it did to our family. But if I lost her, I don't know what would happen to me. She's my best friend now. I will never fault anyone for numbing the pain in their lives with alcohol or drugs, I've wanted to. My parents did it, my grandfathers did it, my aunts did it, my uncles did it, my cousins did it, and friends have done it. I still love them, I don't think any less of them and never would. The fact that President Biden was open about his love and pride for his son without shying away from Hunter's history of addiction is something that hit my heart in a really personal way.
I admire Hunter and his dad for being so open about this issue and for not treating it as a character flaw. It's an illness, it's a side effect of pain and trauma, and empathy is so important when we talk about addiction. Thank you for this interview, Tommy, and thank you to Hunter for being so open about this.
@Elaine N, what a beautiful testimony you presented regarding unconditional love. Your story of your family's trials with addiction, violence etc... is the story of millions of families worldwide, regardless of race, religion,education, economic/social status etc. We are essentially a family, because we are all part of the human condition. Elaine, May God Bless ALL of us, you and your family always; may you thrive and have love, peace of mind and kindness surrounding always.
Tommy, what a great message explaining the struggle of addicts!
It was indeed a master class of asking all of the right questions with empathy, respect & good faith curiosity.
I’m a recovering heroin addict and I couldn’t even imagine dealing with the shame and guilt of what comes with that, amplified by 100 million screaming Trumpers. Money wouldn’t have helped, in fact it probably makes it more difficult.
You know before I watched this I was kinda rolling my eyes thinking y’all would just talk about soft questions and just make Hunter look good but after finishing this interview I have so much respect for Hunter he was candid and surprisingly genuine as it’s easy to tell when they are just here for PR
Great interview! Such important conversations around addiction and grief
What a fantastic interview. I got the audible version of the book. I feel privileged to have listened to Hunter reading his book. At times it was traumatic and at other times it was really beautiful. I wish him well for his future.
Tommy, such an excellent interview with Hunter Biden!! Amazing questions, so pertinent to the things Hunter wanted to say in the book.
And Hunter, I am so impressed eith how you continue to handle your addiction, particularly in the political 🐃💩 that has been vomited on you from the GOP. They are reprehensible. Thank God you accepted the help you received, and I hope everyone has such wonderful people in their lives! I look forward to reading your book! Thank you!!! 💚🙏🏻☮️
Our entire country needs to recover from addiction and grief. Seems right to have THIS family at the helm.
Besides addiction what is it you like about the Biden family?
@@fishyfish9716 that one is big. Addiction and compassion are two sides of a coin. And I’m not just talking about drug addiction. We are planet of addicts, at great risk of hitting bottom. I also really like low drama leadership styles.
@@sophieoshaughnessy9469 Addiction isnt something i'd even wish on an enemy and wish Hunter the best in his recovery, but I'm just trying to understand why the Bidens through BHR invested over Half a billion USD into Sinopec( aka China Petrochemical company) while the guy who got them the job is pushing agenda that has crippled USA's ability to compete with their SASAC(State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission) assets. on top of all that Sinopec is currently expanding operational capacity while its american competitors are being hit with production halting cyber attacks. do you support The Bidens investing in the SASAC portfolio the Petro/Chemical sector in particular?
This is a fantastic interview. I also didn’t know much about Hunter. It was amazing how open he was about his struggles. Can’t wait to read the book!
Tommy is such a brilliant interviewer. This touched me and I hope everyone watches or reads Hunter’s story. He’s a person who, while grew up with certain privileges, has had so many experiences that makes him an everyday person. Thank you for having this interview, thank you to Tommy for handling this with such care and showing his own personal stories, and thank you to Hunter for sharing your story.
Very sensitive and intelligent interview. Yes there is such a thing as addictive personality. Bless you for explaining this so well.
Thanks for this. I've read the book. As the Mom of an addict/alcoholic who tried over a 30 year period to maintain sobriety and didn't make it, I am grateful to know what he went through as he tired.
Anne C, Please know that you did your best, and that the love you shared with your child will live on FOREVER...Remember the hugs, laughter and good times together...their final bought with the demon of addiction, does not define them. God Bless you and ALL who grieve the loss of a loved one.
He is a good guy addicted to horrible drugs. It happens. Proud of him for going clean and i pray he has the strength to stay sober
Hearing men talk about grief and trauma is a beautiful thing I hated that Trump attacked Hunter he is such a beautiful person who is hurting.I wish good health to Hinter and much healing.
Thank you for talking about this i myself am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict 3yrs sober now and the guilt and shame that goes along with this disease is heartbreakingi lost so many so-called friends and family when i finally got help ,if it wasn't for my big brother and youngest son id probably be dead by now my addiction to opiates was my doctor prescribing me very strong opiates for 4years which big pharma was in the pocket of FDA changing one word from is to isn't addictive if you haven't yet seethe Netflix documentary called CRACK i suggest you do so for the government to criminalize a disease you have absolutely no control over is a crime on humanity you need support and understanding of said disease is extremely important i wish you love and peace and im so happy your in recovering from a disease that last a lifetime you don't just get over it you just try to learn how to live with it, im soooo sorry for you loss😔😢 peace be with you
Hi Tommy and Hunter, great interview, huge respect to you both for who you are and what you made sure got out there! You both rock, Gqeberha, South Africa
This was a really moving conversation 💖
Hunter you ain't alone bro. Great guest today. PSA keep up the great work!
What a vital, human, meaningful conversation you both had with each other. Making meaning beyond the pain of this life is a gift: thank you for communicating this. Thank you, Hunter Biden. Thank you Tommy Veitor. Pod save America; Pod Save the World, indeed.
😊
@Judy B., Thank you for a lovely, cogent comment, which encapsulates what many of us who watched this interview were feeling, existentially as human beings. We are a family; a HUMAN family regardless of race, religion, education, economic/social status. Pod Save America/Crooked Media is a national treasure ...it kept us SANE and informed during the GROSS, racism and malfeasance of the trump "presidency"...it will propel us forward as President Biden puts ACTION behind rhetoric , to help our nation get back on it's feat [not "feet" my attempt at being clever, LOL], nationally and reclaim our Diplomacy with Allies and potential friends on the International stage.
Thanks for this Tommy
Powerful❤️
What a lovely interview, Oprah level. I read Hunter’s book in a weekend and haven’t stopped recommending it. Great job Tommy 👍
Agree, lovely interview. And you obviously meant it as high praise, but "Oprah level" made me cringe. Just cuz I'm sick to death of Oprah. Hearing her and hearing about her for what seems like my entire life! Most highly accomplished people go in an out of the news over time, but she never goes away! Sorry for rant.
No, not Oprah, have you seen at least one surprised Picachu face during this interview? It was way better, very honest and down to earth
*Tommy,* an incredible & special interview between each of you. Much appreciated & more.
The Trump children are natural born grifters, literally - they know NO different, they were born into the grift lifestyle, so they grift - at least Hunter has had life experiences that make him a REAL human - personally, I would take a Biden any day over a Trump - thanx, Tommy and Hunter for the interview.
Thank you for this authentic and deep look into the subject of addiction and the answer of love and honesty. and, yes, privilege. May Biden’s presidency, his son’s honesty and efforts, and Crooked Media help others along on this journey.
This is the second interview with hunter biden that I've heard. Super interesting & thoughful. Thanks for having this.
This one hit hard. Saw a lot of myself in Hunter. And I’m so inspired. Excellent interview.
I wish this young man every good thing life can offer.
🕯🙏🌬♥ I wonder if he knows how many have kept him in our prayers for a long, long time. He will do great things.
This was an impressive and heartfelt interview, very brave of Hunter to express himself. I would like to read his book. I found it so strange that the trump family would disparage Hunter while trump senior and junior clearly have addictions themselves.
Especially in light of recent “events,” I hope he continues to have strong support. This dude deserves NONE of the harassment he gets. He’s a pawn to take the heat off Jared. Bless his heart. I hope he is staying healthy.
Wow. Those Biden's are individuals that inspire me in many ways.
Like his father, you know he gets il. And it so rare to hear a sobre person (like him, like me and so many other ex addicts.) repeat how dangerous is alcohol.
Hats of also to Tommy Vietor who dit a great job, with empathy.
Need to hear that more!
I lost my father to alcoholism when I was 10 I was choking back tears for this whole conversation. I feel this discussion in my bones