On the Wednesday, December 6, 2023, episode of the CNN show “King Charles,” co-hosted by NBA legend Charles Barkley and CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King, Barkley expressed his candid views on supporters of former President Donald Trump.
Reacting to news that Trump could run for a second term, Barkley did not mince words, explicitly stating his lack of support for the former president. He referred to Trump’s supporters as “a small little group of nutty people,” comparing them to a “drunk friend” who cannot be reasoned with once intoxicated. Barkley’s straightforward remarks emphasized that the presidency should not cater to such a narrow group of people.
Barkley, renowned for his career as one of the best power forwards in NBA history with a 16-year tenure, including time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, has since established a successful broadcasting career. His transition to television saw him join TNT before taking up his current role at CNN. The show “King Charles,” which premiered to an average of 501,000 viewers in its 10 p.m. EST slot, offers a platform for Barkley and King to engage in open discussions on various topics, moments, and cultural themes.
Despite the show’s ambitious beginnings, Nielsen Media Research reported relatively low ratings for “King Charles,” a fact that Barkley addressed on “The Steam Room” podcast, co-hosted with Ernie Johnson. Barkley downplayed the importance of these ratings, questioning the relevance of Nielsen’s metrics and asserting confidence in the quality of his show.
Barkley’s comments on Trump supporters are notable against the backdrop of CNN’s recent efforts to attract a broader audience, including more conservative viewers. The network’s strategy, implemented under former CEO Chris Licht, sought to include diverse political perspectives. While critical of a specific segment of Trump’s base, Barkley’s remarks reflect his history of bipartisan criticism, having previously expressed his reservations about Trump and current President Joe Biden.
