Although there were rumors he was interested in running after U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced his gubernatorial bid, Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl maintains he is focused on coaching rather than seeking the soon-to-be-open U.S. Senate seat.
During a Sunday interview on Fox News Channel's "One Nation," Pearl was asked about that speculation.
"Now, with Tommy Tuberville trying to be the next governor of Alabama — he's going to get it — it opens up a seat in Alabama. Have you been seriously considering running?" host Brian Kilmeade asked.
"I love my country, but I love being the basketball coach at Auburn," Pearl replied. "And as we're speaking right now, I'm in Atlanta recruiting players. So, look, these issues matter to me, and it's really not as much about politics as much as it is about the survival of our country and what direction that we're looking to move forward."
"It bothers me to see the Democratic Party moving so far over to the left on so many issues. I wake up in the morning, and these are the things I think about as far as the future of my children and my grandchildren. And then, Brian, I am truly grateful for President Trump and the leadership that he's taking in the Middle East. I mean, right now, it is safer than it's ever been before. And what he has done to join Israel to make sure that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. So many presidents before said it, but never did anything about it. And Israel would have to, on their own, take out what they had in Iraq or on their own had to take out ... Syria. And President Bush said, Listen, they will send Scud missiles, but do a favor, don't retaliate because there is going to be World War III. Well, there isn't World War III. Right now, the enemy has been really diminished, and I think that there is a chance for real peace and prosperity with the Abraham Accords. And we are in a much better place under President Trump's leadership."
Pearl went on to detail how he didn't trust Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei regarding the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, but he hoped the peace would remain.
"I'm wondering if you're not going to be the next senator from Alabama. I can't wait for your official announcement, even though you said you're not interested right now," Kilmeade concluded, adding, "You'd be a great senator,"
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