Michael Jordan has never been big on politics. But when Newsmax asked him about the so-called blue wave in November, he had an answer ready. “I’m surrounded by average Americans,” Jordan said. “Not one of them has prepared to switch sides and become communists.”
The six-time NBA champion said all the talk about a huge Democratic sweep doesn’t match what he hears in real life. He said he spends more time with everyday people than most pundits do, and they aren’t talking the way the networks say they are.
“I hear from people at the course, people at restaurants, people at my businesses,” he said. “They’re worried about bills. They’re not worried about which party is trending.”
Jordan didn’t pretend Republicans have nothing to worry about. He said he expects Democrats to win a few seats in the purple states. But in his view, those gains will come from people who don’t know why gas is so expensive and are looking for someone to blame.
“Some people just see a big number at the pump and vote against whoever’s in office,” he said. “That’s not a wave. That’s frustration.”
However, a sweeping leftward swing is unlikely, he said.
“It’s ridiculous,” Jordan said. The comments were a rare political moment for one of the most famous athletes on the planet. Jordan has spent decades keeping his opinions to himself, and he has often been criticized for it. That made his interview all the more surprising.
Conservatives quickly embraced the clip, calling Jordan a voice of common sense. Fans posted highlight reels of his playing days alongside the quotes, joking that he was still “dunking on the competition.”
On the other side, some Democrats brushed it off. One strategist said Jordan was “a great basketball player, not a political analyst.” Others argued that a billionaire saying he’s “surrounded by average Americans” was a little hard to believe.
Jordan’s friends say he means it. He has always been close to the people who work for him, they say, and he likes to hear what’s on their minds.
“He listens more than people think,” one longtime associate said. “And he’s got a good read on people. Always has.”
The interview also touched on his life after basketball, including his businesses, his golf, and his time in North Carolina. But it was the political answer that took off.
Asked if he’d ever think about running for office, Jordan shook his head and laughed.
“No chance,” he said. “I’ve had enough people boo me for one lifetime.” As for November, he says he’ll be watching like everyone else, but he isn’t expecting any big surprises. Air Jordan has spoken.
