Internet divided as Charles Barkley says Biden and Dems care about Black people 'only once every 4 years'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a candid and forthright commentary, NBA legend Charles Barkley took a swipe at President Biden and the Democratic Party, accusing them of showing interest in the concerns of the Black community only once every four years, right before an election.
Barkley, who co-hosts CNN's 'King Charles' show, expressed his views on why some Black voters find appeal in former President Donald Trump.
Barkley accuses Democrats of empty promises and neglect
Barkley didn't mince words as he asserted, "The reason I think the Democratic Party and Mr Biden, President Biden, is losing black votes is they only care about black people every four years." According to the outspoken sports icon, progressives tend to make fleeting visits to black neighborhoods, making promises that often prove empty, especially in the eyes of disillusioned Black voters.
The 61-year-old basketball legend highlighted the repetitive cycle of election-year promises and subsequent neglect. "And then finally us Black people are like, 'I don't know, man, other than my ability to dunk a basketball, all my neighbors' hoods are still the same, our schools are still the same,'" Barkley remarked. This perceived lack of substantial change, despite pledges, leads to disappointment among Black voters, prompting some to question their allegiance to the Democratic Party, he argued.
Barkley's shift reflects broader trend
Barkley, who has predominantly voted for Democratic candidates in the past, disclosed, "I have voted Democratic in nearly every election 'cause I thought it was gonna help black people and poor people." However, he acknowledged a shift in his perspective, citing a particular instance where he cast a Republican vote for former Ohio Gov John Kasich during his unsuccessful presidential bid.
Expressing his understanding of the growing disillusionment among Black voters, Barkley stated, "But then I'm starting to look like, man, I understand why Black people are leaving [the Democratic Party], want to vote for somebody else." His comments shed light on a broader sentiment within the Black community, where voters are increasingly questioning the effectiveness of their political affiliations.
CNN pundit Van Jones echoed Barkley's sentiments, acknowledging the existence of a similar issue among poor White voters who have traditionally supported GOP candidates. Jones highlighted that both parties face challenges in addressing the concerns of impoverished communities, with progress often eluding both poor Whites and Black voters.
Social media divided over Barkley's critique
Social media erupted with diverse opinions following Charles Barkley's critique of President Biden and the Democratic Party.
One user wrote, "And yet he’s super anti Trump."
Another said, "Actually, they don't care about them at all. They just pretend every 4 years and most believe it."
Actually, they don't care about them at all. They just pretend every 4 years and most believe it.
— Brett (@Texan__Pride) March 7, 2024
One commented, "Joe Biden is no longer speaking a known human language. He is jabbering nonsensically and yelling sporadically. But don't worry -- the media will tell us he's "feisty" and "energetic" and "passionate."
Joe Biden is no longer speaking a known human language. He is jabbering nonsensically and yelling sporadically. But don't worry -- the media will tell us he's "feisty" and "energetic" and "passionate."
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) March 8, 2024
One replied, "This is worth emphasizing. Illegal immigration is stealing the right to vote away from American citizens. It devalues your vote by devaluing your congressional representation."
He shouldn’t have even mentioned Trump.. extremely partisan.
— Martin Matthews (@1MartinMatthews) March 8, 2024
Another added, "He shouldn’t have even mentioned Trump.. extremely partisan."
He shouldn’t have even mentioned Trump.. extremely partisan.
— Martin Matthews (@1MartinMatthews) March 8, 2024
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