PHOENIX — First lady Jill Biden discussed Hunter Biden’s trial with NBC News on Saturday while on the campaign trail, marking the first time she commented on his conviction after he was found guilty of three felony gun charges.
Biden said the trial marked “a difficult week for my family,” explaining that they “had to relive…the difficult times.”
Still, she said she was inspired by Hunter Biden’s conduct in recent days.
“I think after the court ruling, Hunter was strong, so I have to follow his example and just start fighting again,” the first lady said.
Jill Biden marked the last few days by traveling to states that could be vital to her husband’s chance of returning to the Oval Office. She has held public events in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona, and is heading to California on Saturday night for a star-studded fundraiser that the campaign says has already set a Democratic Party record.
Her travel campaign comes after she spent much of the trial inside the courtroom, even traveling back and forth from France to be in the courtroom in Delaware.
After Hunter Biden was convicted, President Joe Biden told reporters he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence.
“Joe and I respect the judicial system and that’s the bottom line,” Jill Biden said Saturday.
Hunter Biden’s conviction comes just weeks before his father and former President Donald Trump are scheduled to debate, a critical event for two possible candidates who are in a tight race, polls indicate.
The first lady rejected the idea that the president’s performance could be affected by Hunter Biden’s conviction.
“Oh no,” she replied, later adding, “He’s a strong, resilient man and he’ll do a great job.”
The president issued a statement emphasizing his love for his son shortly after the jury returned the guilty verdict.
“Jill and I will always stand by Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support,” he said. “Nothing will ever change that.”
Hunter Biden does not yet have a sentencing date. He faces up to 25 years in prison, although it is unlikely he will receive the maximum sentence as he has no previous convictions.
Mike Memoli reported from Phoenix, Arizona. Megan Lebowitz reported from Cleveland, Ohio.
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com read the full story
