The Radio Claim
Hunter Biden told radio host John Catsimatidis he “may have to” run for president in 2028 during a Sunday interview. The 56-year-old former first son made the comment on the WABC Cats Roundtable show, according to reports. He stated the run depends on receiving a specific endorsement from Catsimatidis. The billionaire supermarket mogul is a known conservative donor and ally of President Donald Trump.
He noted that his primary goal involves assisting the 50 million Americans who continue to struggle with their addictions. This condition sets a high bar for a potential campaign launch. The Washington Examiner noted this comment came just weeks after Biden dismissed the idea entirely.
Past Denials and Legal History
Only weeks earlier, Biden told Bill Maher on HBO that he had not thought about running. He told the late-night host, “No, I haven’t thought of running,” per the Washington Examiner. He warned that announcing a run would suggest he had relapsed on his addiction. Biden has been open about his drug and alcohol struggles since his 2021 memoir release.
A former lobbyist faced federal convictions for gun and tax offenses last year. His father, former President Joe Biden, later granted him a full pardon for all federal offenses between 2014 and 2024. Despite this legal history, Biden claimed his top qualification is “adhering to the rule of law.” He told Catsimatidis he wants the next president to commit to that principle.
A Self-Description and Future Peers
Biden described himself as a “former crackhead” while discussing his path to the Oval Office. In 2014, he confessed to being discharged from the Navy following a positive cocaine test. The New York Post reported that his previous foray into politics involved his infamous “Laptop from Hell.” That device contained explicit photos and evidence used in his criminal trials.
He recently told the Luke Beasley Show podcast that he is “48.6 percent” gay. Even with this potential run, he said the Democratic Party has an “incredible bench” of other candidates. He mentioned Govs. Andy Beshear and JB Pritzker as strong options. He also said, “I love Gavin Newsom, personally,” referring to the California governor.
The Path Forward
No candidates on either side have announced a presidential campaign yet. The Washington Examiner reports that the midterm elections are still the next major political event. Biden’s comment appeared to be a joke given his conservative host’s political ties. However, he did not rule out following his father’s footsteps into the White House.
He framed his potential candidacy as a reluctant service to those with addiction issues. The RedState analysis suggests this idea is a pipe dream for the party. No official campaign plans exist beyond this single radio interview.
