Charles Barkley tells Biden to ‘pass the torch’ but would ‘never’ vote for Trump

Former basketball player and TV personality Charles Barkley said President Biden should “pass the torch” but clarified that he would never vote for former President Trump.

“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 CNBC’s Dominic Chu on Thursday on “Closing Bell.” “He’s been a great person, he’s been a great man.”

Biden continues to face political headwinds after a difficult debate against former President Trump last month. While on stage, the president spoke with a hoarse voice and stumbled over his words, raising questions about his age, mental fitness and ability to win back the White House in November.

“He’s had a great life, he’s one of the best people I’ve ever been lucky enough to be around, but it’s time to pass the torch,” Barkley said of the president. “And listen… President Trump, I would never vote for someone who had that mentality. You must always have respect… for the position of whoever is in the presidency.”

“I’m furious with these sports teams. Some of these idiots don’t visit the White House because there’s a Democrat or a Republican there. That’s stupid,” he added. “He is the President of the United States. We should always admire that position, no matter who is there.”

Biden and his allies have rejected calls for him to drop out of the presidential race, even as a growing number of Democratic lawmakers pressure him to withdraw.

At a press conference Thursday night, Biden said he believes he is “the most qualified person to run for president.”

“I believe I am the most qualified to govern,” he later added. “And I think I’m the most qualified to win. But there are other people who could also beat Trump. But everything starts from scratch. And you know, we talk about money raised. We’re not doing bad.

He continued, saying, “The fact is that I consider myself to be the most qualified person to run for president. I beat him once and I will beat him again.”

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story