Former basketball player and TV personality Charles Barkley said President Biden should “pass the baton” but made it clear he would never vote for former President Trump.
“I admire and respect President Biden, but it is time for him to pass the baton to a younger generation.” Berkeley said. “He was a great character and a great man,” CNBC’s Dominic Chu said on “Closing Bell” Thursday.
Biden continues to face political headwinds after a disastrous debate with former President Trump last month, during which the president spoke hoarsely and stumbled, raising questions about his age, mental health and ability to retake the White House in November.
“He’s lived a great life. He’s one of the greatest people I’ve been lucky enough to be around in my life. But it’s time to pass the baton,” Barkley said of the president. “And listen … President Trump, I would never vote for someone who thinks like that. No matter who is in the office of the presidency, the office should always be respected.”
“I’m angry at these sports teams. There are idiots who won’t visit the White House because there’s a Democrat or a Republican in the White House. It’s ridiculous,” he added. “The White House is the president of the United States. We should always respect the office of the presidency, no matter who is president.”
Biden and his allies have resisted calls for him to withdraw from the presidential race, even as a growing number of Democrats call for him to do so.
Biden said at a press conference Thursday night that he believes he is “the best person qualified to run for president.”
“I believe I’m the best person to govern,” he later added, “and the best person to win. But there are other people who can beat Trump. But it’s all starting from scratch. And, you know, we’re talking about the money we’ve raised. We’re not bad.
He continued, “The fact is, the thing to consider is that I believe I am the best qualified person to run for president. I beat him once and I will beat him again.”
