**Celebrities On The Election: Charles Barkley Tells Dems To ‘Shut Up,’ Sylvester Stallone Calls Trump ‘Second George Washington’**
In the lead-up to the election, several high-profile celebrities have voiced their opinions, adding fuel to the already heated political climate. Among them, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone have made headlines for their candid and controversial remarks.
### Charles Barkley: Outspoken and Unfiltered
Charles Barkley, known for his blunt and often provocative commentary, did not hold back when discussing the Democratic Party. Barkley, who has previously criticized both major political parties, urged Democrats to “shut up” and stop alienating voters with what he perceives as elitist attitudes. Barkley has long been a vocal critic of the political establishment, and his comments reflect his frustration with the current state of American politics.
#### A Brief Biography of Charles Barkley:
– **Born:** February 20, 1963, in Leeds, Alabama
– **Career:** Barkley is a retired professional basketball player who played 16 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 1993.
– **Post-NBA Career:** After retiring from basketball, Barkley became a popular sports analyst on TNT’s *Inside the NBA*, where his outspoken personality has made him a fan favorite.
– **Political Views:** Barkley has been known for his independent political stance, often criticizing both Democrats and Republicans. He has expressed concern over issues such as race relations, economic inequality, and the treatment of working-class Americans.
### Sylvester Stallone: Trump as ‘Second George Washington’
Meanwhile, Sylvester Stallone, the legendary actor best known for his roles in *Rocky* and *Rambo*, has made waves by comparing former President Donald Trump to George Washington, the first President of the United States. Stallone, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump in the past, referred to the former president as a “second George Washington,” praising his leadership and policies.
#### A Brief Biography of Sylvester Stallone:
– **Born:** July 6, 1946, in New York City, New York
– **Career:** Stallone rose to fame in the 1970s with his portrayal of Rocky Balboa in the *Rocky* film series, which he wrote and starred in. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1976. Stallone later solidified his status as an action star with the *Rambo* series.
– **Political Views:** Stallone has been a vocal supporter of conservative causes and has expressed admiration for Donald Trump. His comparison of Trump to George Washington has sparked both praise and criticism from various political commentators.
### Key Points from the Celebrities’ Remarks:
– **Barkley’s Message to Democrats:**
– Barkley urged Democrats to stop alienating voters with elitist rhetoric.
– He criticized the party for not addressing the needs of working-class Americans.
– Barkley has expressed frustration with both political parties in the past, advocating for more focus on economic issues and racial equality.
– **Stallone’s Praise for Trump:**
– Stallone compared Donald Trump to George Washington, calling him a “second George Washington.”
– He praised Trump’s leadership and policies, particularly in areas related to the economy and national security.
– Stallone’s comments have drawn both support and backlash, reflecting the divisive nature of Trump’s political legacy.
### A Short History of Celebrity Political Endorsements
Celebrities have long played a role in American politics, using their platforms to endorse candidates and influence public opinion. From Frank Sinatra’s support of John F. Kennedy in the 1960s to Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008, the intersection of fame and politics is nothing new.
– **1960s:** Frank Sinatra campaigned for John F. Kennedy, helping to bolster the young senator’s image as a charismatic leader.
– **1980s:** Ronald Reagan, a former actor, became the 40th President of the United States, blending Hollywood charm with conservative politics.
– **2000s:** Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008 was seen as a pivotal moment in his campaign, helping him secure the Democratic nomination.
– **2020s:** Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Kanye West have all made headlines for their political endorsements and statements.
While some argue that celebrity endorsements can sway public opinion, others believe that they often reflect the already polarized nature of American politics.
### Conclusion
As the political landscape continues to evolve, celebrities like Charles Barkley and Sylvester Stallone are using their platforms to voice their opinions on the election and the state of American politics. Whether they are urging political parties to change their approach or drawing historical comparisons, their comments are sure to spark conversation and debate among their fans and the general public.
For more on this story, visit the full article on [Forbes](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMihgJBVV95cUxNcUFudjN4WDRJRkp4ai1hM3JlcnE1aUpBLXY0YmdxbTdfNWlaWUZHZkdWT2dURVo1aEhxWl96bWxhbndQR1NDZVdGeFpBUTFXNXpiT2NlWHJKaWRVd21vRzdmbUVVdjJ1ZGFBTFEyVTU1NklzSWsyX25ieVJiN044TTJxNXA0NUkteXlvODBKdHh5ejRFVVpsVFRoWmt6Qjd6RjZKOUdDVWVfZkM0N3MyYlVzVVZGWHhGdmIyYjRDbzdXVkpYYmRNVTZudVBtVnlaUkFOLUNpZFVwc2tfbkl3OHNuQ09waTVKakpVZ3R3R3dDalQxQjJrVkVaOHFIbHVXLVltRlRR?oc=5).