NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley urged President Joe Biden Thursday to “pass the torch” and drop out of the 2024 presidential race. The legendary sports star joins a growing list of Democrat leaders and celebrities who have publicly pressured Biden to give another candidate the opportunity to run against Trump amid concerns over the president’s mental fitness.
During a Thursday appearance on CNBC, Barkley discussed the current situation with Biden and the Democratic Party. “I just feel sadness,” Barkley said while speaking at the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
“You got the greatest country in the world – and I have nothing but admiration and respect for President Biden, but it’s time for him to pass the torch to a younger generation,” Barkley added. “He’s been a great person, he’s been a great man – this ain’t something I’m saying now, I’ve said it like a year ago. It’s time for him to pass the torch.”
Barkley emphasized that while Biden was “one of the greatest people” he had been privileged to be around in his life, it was “time to pass the torch.”
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Despite calling for Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, the NBA star indicated that he “would never” vote for Trump.
“Listen, President Trump – I would never vote for somebody who had that mentality,” Barkley said.
Barkley also expressed his frustration with sports teams that refuse to visit the White House when an individual from a political party the team dislikes is in office and encouraged Americans to respect anyone serving as president of the United States.
“You know, I get mad at these sports teams – some of these bozos won’t visit the White House because it’s a Democrat or Republican in there,” Barkley stated. “That is stupid. It’s the president of the United States. We should always admire that office, no matter who’s in there.”
