'Bud needs to stay in the race': Internet rejects Charles Barkley's advice as he urges Joe Biden to 'pass the torch' after CNN debate fiasco

WASHINGTON, DC: NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has urged President Joe Biden to "pass the torch" ahead of the 2024 presidential election, raising doubts about his mental state in light of his appalling performance in last month's debate. 

Barkley discussed the current state of politics during an appearance on CNBC on Thursday, July 11. The 61-year-old announced his intention to retire from television following the conclusion of the 2024–2025 NBA season next year.

Charles Barkley says he just feels 'sadness' about US politics

"I just feel sadness," Barkley said from the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Fox News reports. "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. He’s been a great person, 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 added.

He continued, "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."

Charles Barkley admits he would never vote for Donald Trump

The NBA great did not, however, imply that he supported former President Donald Trump by calling for Biden to resign.

He said, "Listen, President Trump – I would never vote for somebody who had that mentality. You should always have respect for whoever’s in the presidency. 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. That is stupid. It’s the president of the United States. We should always admire that office, no matter who’s in there." 

Concerns about Joe Biden's mental acuity erupted following the CNN debate 

Concerns about the president’s mental acuity erupted following his debate with Trump last month. 

Those worries were heightened on Thursday, July 11, during a press conference with reporters when Biden committed a few faux pas. These included holding up a list of reporters he was told to call on, seeming to confuse Vice President Kamala Harris with former President Trump and repeatedly saying "anyway" as he strayed from a particular topic.

The debate between Trump and Biden has also extended to the golf course. During a rally this week in Florida, the former president issued a challenge to Biden to an 18-hole match after the two disagreed on golf handicaps during their first debate. A Biden spokesperson shot down the proposal, calling it "weird antics." 

Internet speaks out against Charles Barkley after he suggested Joe Biden to step down

Netizens did not seem to agree with Barkley after he asked the current US president to pass the torch and step down from the present role. However, Barkley is not the only prominent personality who has expressed concerns about Biden as he joins the long list of several high profile celebrities and politicians alike who expressed similar worries about the 81-year-old. 

One user wrote, "He never passed the torch, why should Biden." Another said, "Just who I was waiting to hear from before I made up my mind on this crucial issue." "I too call on Biden to pass the torch. Now I'm just like Barkley," added one.

"I wonder if these celebrities think that Biden is even getting these messages. No way Dr Jill and Hunter are letting these things get through to Joe," remarked a user. "No Joe Bud needs to stay in the race Best thing he can do for this country," tweeted someone else. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.