Charles Barkley Calls on Biden to Step Down as Democratic Candidate: ‘Time for Him to Pass the Torch’

Former NBA star Charles Barkley has joined the growing list of high-profile figures calling for another democratic candidate to take President Joe Biden’s place in the upcoming election.

Biden’s performance during his recent debate against Donald Trump has led many to believe he may not be fit to defeat the former president in November. Despite Biden’s insistence on running for re-election, some are hoping that another Democrat takes his place.

That includes the likes of actor George Clooney, who called Biden’s decline “devastating” in a recent op-ed asking him to drop out.

Barkley agrees.

“I just feel sadness,” Barkley said Thursday on CNBC. “You got the greatest country in the world; and I have nothing but admiration and respect for President Biden to pass the torch to a younger generation. 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; and I don’t wanna hear about the [Democratic National Convention] is coming up soon. He’s had a great life. He’s one of the greatest people I’ve ever been fortunate to be around in my life; but it’s time to pass the torch.”

Though his media career has primarily involved the world of sports, Barkley hasn’t been shy about expressing his political views. He considered himself a Republican until 2006, and even considered running for governor in his home state of Alabama. In addition to his role on TNT’s Inside the NBA, he co-hosted the CNN show King Charles with Gayle King.

Barkley added that although he thinks Biden should step down, he would “never” vote for Trump.

Watch above via CNBC.