Former NBA player Michael Jordan running for U.S. senator
Michael Jordan is known for being incredibly private about his personal life, especially when it comes to his political beliefs.
While he rarely shares his thoughts on politics, there have been some clues over the years that suggest where he might stand.
His financial contributions and certain public statements offer insight into his political leanings, but Jordan himself has never made any outright declarations. Let’s take a look at all instances to give a clear answer.
In August 2018, former President Donald Trump made headlines with a late-night tweet. Trump criticized LeBron James and CNN host Don Lemon, suggesting that he preferred Michael Jordan over James.
The tweet sparked curiosity about Jordan’s political stance, given Trump’s polarizing presence in politics. Some wondered if Jordan’s silence meant he was aligned with Trump’s views, but it wasn’t that simple.
While Jordan did not directly respond to Trump’s tweet, his actions and statements over the years have painted a different picture. For instance, Jordan has donated thousands of dollars to various Democratic organizations.
According to public records, these contributions have gone to Democratic parties in several states, including Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina. This financial support suggests a leaning towards the Democratic Party, even if Jordan hasn’t been vocal about it.
With multiple medals showcasing his successful athletic life, Jordan is a public speaker too, on some particular topics. One of the most famous quotes attributed to Michael Jordan is “Republicans buy sneakers too.” This statement has been a topic of discussion for years and was finally addressed by Jordan in the ESPN documentary The Last Dance.
Jordan admitted to making the comment but clarified that it was a joke made in passing to his Chicago Bulls teammates. It was mentioned that he was more focused on basketball than politics during his playing career.
Jordan’s reluctance to engage in political discourse during his prime has been both criticized and understood. On one hand, some argue that his influence could have been a powerful force for social change.
And Jordan saw himself primarily as an athlete, not an activist. He believed that his energy was best spent on the court, perfecting his craft.