In a recent interview with CNN, NBA Hall of Famer and outspoken commentator Charles Barkley delivered a thought-provoking critique of the Democratic Party’s engagement with the African American community. Chuck’s comments came 29 days before the US elections. This shed light on his concerns about what he perceives as a sporadic interest in black issues by the Democratic Party and President Joe Biden.
During the interview, Barkley said, “The reason I think the Democratic party and President Biden is losing black votes is they only care about black people every four years”. He further went out to say that he only voted for a Republican once and that was John Kasich. Chuck says that he has always voted for the Democratic Party. This however is not Barkley’s first comment during the elections.
Charles Barkley sent a clear message to President Biden and Democrats on his CNN show this week.
“The reason I think the Democratic party and President Biden is losing black votes is they only care about black people every four years.” pic.twitter.com/rW05iiJFNT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 7, 2024
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Earlier this week, Barkley said that he would punch any person who wear Donald Trump’s mugshot shirt. Barkley also commented that he does not feel good about a rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. “Yeah, I consider myself an independent. Because I hate the words Republican, Democratic, conservative and liberal, because I think … you don’t think that way on every subject,” Barkley said this to Chris Wallace according to Mediaite.
Charles Barkley’s Short Political Career
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While Charles Wade Barkley has never officially held elected office, his political journey has been a topic of discussion for decades. He previously identified as a Republican, but his views have evolved. He has criticized the party’s stance on issues like the Iraq War and has distanced himself from them, now considering himself an independent.
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Barkley’s interest in politics is rooted in a desire to improve his home state. He has openly expressed his concerns about Alabama’s ranking low in various social and economic indicators. He specifically highlighted the need to improve public education, an issue he believes is critical for addressing broader societal problems. Charles did say that he is going to be running for mayor in historic town of Leeds in Alabama. He ultimately quit the race 2 years after announcing.
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Despite not pursuing a political career, Barkley continues to engage with social and political issues. He uses his platform as a sports analyst to comment on various topics, often offering his unfiltered opinions. He has also been vocal about his support for specific candidates, like his endorsement of Doug Jones in the 2017 Alabama Senate race against Roy Moore.