The legal saga involving Hunter Biden was a "real war" that "consumed" the outgoing president, according to a new Woodward book.

The high-profile struggles of his son, Hunter Biden, were a significant factor in President Joe Biden's decision to exit the presidential race in July. These struggles left him with a "crushing" sense of guilt that those close to the outgoing president say plagued him more than the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Bob Woodward's new book, "War," provides readers with an exclusive look into the inner workings of both the Trump and Biden presidencies during their most challenging moments. The book offers a unique perspective on the thinking of two vastly different leaders as they navigated foreign policy crises and security risks.

An early copy of the book was obtained by Planet Chronicle ahead of its release next week.

Woodward's book also portrays the more personal aspects of both presidencies, particularly for Biden, who faced intense scrutiny following his poor showing in the first presidential debate in June, which was viewed by an estimated 51 million people, leading to mounting pressure within the Democratic Party for him to withdraw from the race.

The fear among party leaders and donors that Biden, 81, was not fit to hold his own against Trump in a second match-up crystallized long-held concerns. Their sense of urgency was matched only by the ticking clock they had to choose a suitable nominee.

Biden initially tried to dismiss his poor showing as a one-time mistake that he could recover from in the future, but the mounting pressure to withdraw only intensified.

According to Woodward, Biden was considering staying in the race on July 4 when he met with Blinken for a private lunch. Blinken, who had come prepared for a tough discussion, informed Woodward that Biden still believed he could secure a second term as president, a goal he had pursued throughout his life and ultimately achieved.

The scrutiny and legal troubles surrounding his son Hunter were among the factors that led to his decision to withdraw.

According to Woodward, when Biden and Blinken met, it was clear that the toll his son's troubles had taken on him was evident. Blinken, in his conversation with Biden, spoke openly about the possibility of dropping out, saying, "I don't want to see your legacy jeopardized."

Blinken attempted a different approach after sensing little progress. He inquired, "Do you truly desire to continue this for the next four years?"

Biden's first term was marked by the U.S. recovery from a global pandemic, the first war on European soil since World War II, and the start of Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Despite the daily turmoil and lasting consequences, it was Biden's younger son, Hunter Biden, whose struggles seemed to weigh most heavily on the president.

Biden's "real war" is described in the book as Hunter's troubles, which constantly preoccupy the president and make him struggle against his fatherly instincts to protect his son, whom he calls his "beautiful boy," and to reconcile the guilt he feels about his presidency being the cause of the scrutiny surrounding his son.

Biden was deeply affected by the knowledge that he had been responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans, more so than the major crises happening abroad in Europe and the Middle East, according to sources. Woodward helped Biden regain his composure and focus, but the incident left him feeling drained.

Blinken, while discussing the president's inner turmoil with Woodward, became emotional, reflecting on his own relationships with his two young children.

Biden and Blinken tried to rescue Hunter from his predicament, but despite their efforts, they were unable to do so.

The book does not provide specific information on how Hunter's legal issues and investigations influenced the president's decision to resign, which was likely due to a variety of factors, including internal party pressures and personal considerations. The White House did not respond to Planet Chronicle's request for comment on the matter.

The book presents a candid examination of one of the president's most emotionally challenging experiences, which remaining in the race would have only intensified.

"War" will be out on bookstore shelves October 15.