It’s reminiscent of the time Charles Barkley was toying with a political career. He gave up on those ambitions and made a swift transition to broadcast. But he’s never held back his opinions on the political scenario at any time. This means the recent presidential debate between incumbent President Joe Biden and Republican candidate presumptive, Donald Trump gave him mixed feelings. It’s no secret that Barkley has a strong disdain for Trump’s camp. But Biden doesn’t fill him with confidence either, made obvious during his appearance on Closing Bell.

“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 said live from the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada on Thursday. “He’s had a good life, he is one of the greatest people I’ve been fortunate to be around in my life, but it’s time to pass the torch.”

He repeats the ‘pass the torch’ phrase several times during the interview. He’s one of the most prominent personalities joining the growing chorus for a new, younger Democratic nominee as President Biden turns 82 this year.

Though he prefers a younger Democratic candidate, it doesn’t mean he thinks Biden’s opponent was better. He bluntly declared, “I would never vote for someone who has that mentality,” regarding Trump. Barkley reiterated his belief that whether it’s a presidential opponent or a sports team, you should show due respect to the office of the president.

His respect for the POTUS though remains unwavering. When Biden was Vice President in the Obama administration, Chuck couldn’t hold back his feelings for Barack Obama. His admiration was overflowing when he interviewed Obama in the White House. That brought Barkley in close contact with the then POTUS and Veep and it only cemented his respect.

Chuck is something of an Obama fanboy and admires his oratory skills. Comparisons to Obama surfaced after the debate between Biden and Trump last month. Both were given the meme treatment and shown in poor light in comparison to Obama or their other predecessors. Both struggled and their age showed. While Biden admitted it wasn’t his proudest debate night, the other side dismayed Chuck even more.

Charles Barkley is honest about his presidential opinion

Barkley has been expressive about his concerns for the 2024 presidential race since last year. He has not been looking forward to the Trump-Biden rematch and the debate cemented his decision.

An extension of his comments slamming Trump supporters on CNN’s King Charles earlier this year, Barkley was displeased at the former president’s personal jabs throughout the debate. A combination of Trump’s overstatements and Biden’s stuttering was panned by debate watchers.

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Irrespective of his thoughts on Trump, he said about the current president, “[Biden] has been a great person, he’s a great man. This isn’t something I’m saying now. I’ve said it a year ago. It’s time for him to pass the torch.” Given that he’s not alone in that sentiment, it remains to be seen how the presidential race goes on both sides.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.