Michael Jordan Once Slammed Charles Barkley for Trying to Join Politics: “ I Wouldn’t Vote for Him”

Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley are some of the most iconic players of the NBA. They were both opponents and teammates. Jordan and Barkley played together for the US “Dream Team” in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. Both were on opposite ends in the NBA, though. Jordan played mostly for the Chicago Bulls while Barkley played for the 76ers, Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. They have been together doing TV appearances, most notably on the Oprah show.

Despite that, Jordan had some reservations about Barkley entering the politics. He was asked about this in an old interview which has resurfaced recently. He said, ” Hell, no! No. No way. He’s witty, he’s smart, but he’s not a politician. He’s gotta help his own people. They’d vote for him down in Arkan…Alabama. I wouldn’t vote for him for shit in North Carolina.”.

Charles Barkley’s political ambitions

Charles Barkley, during that time, was thinking about running for the Alabama governorship under a Republican ticket in the 1998 elections. He couldn’t do it ultimately, but his dreams of being the governor hadn’t ended there. He has often revealed his desire to be the governor as an Independent in interviews throughout the years, but it has never materialised.

Barkley is a person who doesn’t mince any words. His entry to politics hence wasn’t a surprise. He has openly given political views on interviews and shows like Inside the NBA. He had also endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election .

Charles Barkley and Jordan’s friendship

Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley were opponents on the court but friends off of it. They struck a friendship with each other that continued well past their Hall of Fame playing days. Barkley and Jordan were always linked to each other. They both got drafted two picks apart in 1984 and have a combined 25 All-Star appearances across 31 seasons. Charles was an elite player and even won MVP over Jordan in 1992-93. He was no Jordan, though, who won five MVPs and six NBA Championships throughout his career. Jordan’s one title in fact came against Barkley’s Phoenix Suns in the 1993 finals.

Barkley recently, though has stated that their friendship went cold. Jordan is now part owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Furthermore, Barkley criticised his ownership live on TNT. The latter mentions he didn’t do any wrong but still misses the friendship that they had.
Will Jordan and Barkley reconcile with each other? Only time can tell with these two former players.