NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says Donald Trump’s GOP presidential campaign is doomed.
“Well, you know, political campaigns are about style and substance,” Abdul-Jabbar told host Rachel Maddow on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” Thursday night. “And Mr. Trump’s style is very attractive.
“The reason that he’s able to get all of this attention and the following that he does is because he says things in a way that inspires people or makes them feel good about the things he’s saying,” he continued.
{mosads}“But pretty soon, there’s going to have to be some substance,” said Abdul-Jabbar. “When we hear exactly what the substance is of what his programs are for his vision of America, I don’t think his candidacy will last very long beyond that.”
The NBA legend also criticized Trump’s handling of the press.
“There are so many other journalists that think he has to be held accountable in some way and then try to ask questions and all they get is threats and put-downs,” the basketball star said of Trump’s multiple battles with the media.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “When you try to suppress that, I think you’re trying to stifle criticism and avoid being accountable.
Abdul-Jabbar has been feuding with Trump following a Washington Post column he penned critical of the New York business mogul.
Trump reportedly responded by penning a handwritten note on the offending article and sending it to the former professional athlete.
“Kareem – Now I know why the press always treated you so badly – they couldn’t stand you,” he wrote, according to The Washington Post.
“The fact is that you don’t have a clue about life and what has to be done to make America great again.”