Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, announced Thursday a new Substack series covering the last seven years of his life. The first installment revisits the controversy surrounding his laptop, a subject that dominated conservative media and political attacks during the 2020 campaign.
The move marks an effort by Biden to directly shape the narrative around a politically charged issue. By publishing on Substack—a platform known for subscriber-supported newsletters—he bypasses traditional media filters, potentially reaching a sympathetic audience.
The announcement drew immediate partisan reactions. Republicans have long used the laptop story to question the Biden family's integrity, while Democrats dismiss it as a baseless smear. Biden's decision to address it head-on could reignite debate on both sides.
Public opinion data on the laptop controversy remains split along party lines. A 2022 Reuters/Ipsos poll found 48% of Americans believed the story was relevant to Joe Biden's fitness for office, while 38% saw it as a distraction. Hunter Biden's new platform may further polarize views.
Political analysts note that the series could be a risky gambit. By engaging directly with a topic that has dogged his family, Biden invites renewed scrutiny and potential legal fallout, though it may also humanize his experience with addiction and personal struggle.