Charles Barkley says he may run for governor of Alabama in 2010. But hasn't he been saying he'll run for something for years now?
"Alabama, that's my home. I'm thinking about running for governor; they need the help," Barkley said as the crowd laughed. "If it wasn't for Arkansas and Mississippi, we'd be dead last in everything. I think we can do better."...
"I'm serious," Barkley said. "I've got to get people to realize that the government is full of it. Republicans and Democrats want to argue over stuff that's not important, like gay marriage or the war in Iraq or illegal immigration. They push those issues because they play well on TV and because they deceive people. When I run - if I run - we're going to talk about real issues like improving our schools, cleaning up our neighborhoods of drugs and crime and making Alabama a better place for all people."While Barkley said he has been mulling a run for governor for years, he believes he will soon reach a place in his life where he will stop thinking about it and start doing it.
He's also saying he'd run as a Democrat when he's sounded suspiciously Republican in the past. Well, I wish him well, thought I'm not sure he's got a shot. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Charles, and I've never quite been sure why.
He played for Auburn, which should count against him in my book. He can be pretty thuggish (though I must say I can't watch that clip of him bonking Shaq in the head with a basketball without laughing). And, he's never been much of a public speaker, which should preclude him from consideration in state-wide office races.
Ahh, but he's Sir Charles. I'll never forget his bold proclamation circa 1991 that Right Guard solid was made of an "astoundingly clear gel." He donned a pith helmet and mangled the word "astoundingly" in a truly astounding way.
Something about him has always seemed good-humored and joyful, instead of hard and angry like the rest of the NBA. He's a showman, and he doesn't take himself too seriously. So, good luck, Sir Charles.
James Joyner notes:
I’ll believe it when I see it; he’s been saying the same thing for years. It’s news, though, that he now considers himself a Democrat. He’s been known to consort with the likes of Rush Limbaugh and otherwise has certainly given the impression that he’s a Republican.