Why Michael Jordan Kept Quiet on Politics

Michael Jordan is a basketball legend known for his silence on politics. His former teammate, Scottie Pippen, shares that Jordan preferred to lead by example and avoid the gray area of politics. The public rarely heard Jordan's political views, except once when he said, "Republicans buy sneakers, too, " during a Senate race in North Carolina. Even former President Barack Obama wished Jordan had been more vocal, but he understood the challenges Jordan faced in managing his public image. Jordan's famous comment sparked controversy. In 1990, Harvey Gantt, the first African American mayor of Charlotte, asked Jordan for support in his Senate campaign against Jesse Helms. Jordan declined, saying he wasn't into politics. His casual remark, "Republicans buy sneakers, too, " was overheard and spread like wildfire. Years later, Jordan explained that he said it in jest on a bus with teammates. This incident has been debated ever since. Obama and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar encouraged Jordan to use his influence more, but Jordan stuck to his no-politics rule. His one exception remains a memorable moment in sports history.