Charles Barkley: Conservatives are 'fake Christians' David Edwards and Chris Tackett

Published: Friday February 15, 2008



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Print This Email This Former NBA star Charles Barkley, who is not known for his timidity when it comes to discussing his political beliefs, will surely be ruffling right-wing feathers with his latest comments. Barkley, currently an NBA commentator for the TNT network, appeared today on CNN's 'Situation Room.' When asked by host Wolf Blitzer about his views on the presidential race, Barkley said he didn't want to see the Republicans win because they were 'fake Christians.' The comment came after Barkley was asked his reasons for supporting presidential candidate Barack Obama, rather than Hillary Clinton or any of the Republican candidates. "I've got great respect for Sen. McCain, great respect, but I don't like the way Republicans have taken this country," said Barkley. "Every time I hear the word 'conservative,' it makes me sick to my stomach, because they're really just fake Christians, as I call them. That's all they are." Blitzer moved on to a different question following the comment, but later followed-up at the end of his interview and asked him to elaborate on what he meant by "fake Christian." "I think they want to be judge and jury," Barkley replied. "Like, I'm for gay marriage. It's none of my business if gay people want to get married. I'm pro-choice. And I think these Christians, first of all, they're not supposed to judge other people. But they're the most hypocritical judge of people we have in the country. And it bugs the hell out of me. They act like they're Christians. They're not forgiving at all." Barkley also explained why he was supporting Barack Obama. "When i look at him, he represents everything that's good in the black community," Barkley said. "He's intelligent. He's articulate. You know, most of our role models are athletes or entertainers. We've got to get more black kids to be educated, carry themselves with great class and dignity. He's perfect for what we need. We've got so much black-on-black crime in this country right now. We've got a lot of kids not getting their education. That's why I'm supporting him." Barkley also reiterated a claim he has made before regarding his intention to run for governor of Alabama. "I just bought a house in 2007 and in 2014, I promise you I'm going to run for governor," Barkley said. "You have to have residency for seven years. I bought my house at the end of last year and I'll be eligible in 2014."











