Charles Barkley once claimed ‘Black people can only be CLEANERS’ in Alabama governor’s office before refusing to run for state head
Charles Barkley was serious for Alabama Governor

Charles Barkley (image via GETTY Images)
Back in 2006, NBA legend Charles Barkley made headlines, but it wasn’t for his prowess on the basketball court. The outspoken athlete has spoken many times on politics, like the one incident where he took a jibe at Trump. declared his serious intent to run for governor of Alabama. However, before he could take the leap into politics, Barkley had to return to his home state and establish residency.
In a wide-ranging interview, he shared his thoughts on the then-current state of American society, discrimination, and his vision for a better future. The NBA Hall of Famer set his sights on making a difference in the lives of those who were often unheard of. Barkley’s passion to advocate for the underprivileged and address economic disparities was evident in his commitment to challenging the status quo. While some may have assumed Barkley to be affiliated with a particular political party, he set the record straight back in 2006, declaring himself an independent.
In his characteristic no-nonsense style, he took a jab at both major parties, stating, “The Republicans are full of it. The Democrats are a little less full of it.” Barkley’s unwavering determination to speak his mind, free from the constraints of party politics, reflected his commitment to being a voice for the voiceless. Barkley’s passion for advocating on behalf of the less fortunate was at the core of his political aspirations. He firmly believed that America discriminates against the poor and that socioeconomic divisions were a pressing issue.
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Barkley’s drive to give back to the society

Barkley asserted, “If you’re born poor, whether you’re white, black, or Spanish, you’re going to be in a bad neighborhood and you’re going to a bad school. That’s not right.” He also acknowledged that it might be difficult though to run for the post and how “They don’t let many black people in the governor’s mansion in Alabama unless they’re cleaning.” His drive to give back to society and help those in need became a driving force behind his potential run. Barkley believed that the then-current partisan political landscape hindered genuine progress and advocated for a more inclusive and independent approach to governance.
Drawing inspiration from other celebrities turned politicians like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura, Barkley embraced the challenge of making a difference in politics back in 2006. He acknowledged the skepticism he received from his friends in the political arena, but his determination to drive change remained unyielding. Barkley recognized that to enact change, he had to step up and take action himself.
Looking back to 2006, Charles Barkley’s unexpected foray into politics stirred the pot, igniting conversations about social change and political reform. Barkley’s vision for an inclusive, independent political landscape reflected his commitment to being a voice for the marginalized, and many people actually hence considered him a serious winner.
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