Charles Barkley in Denver to support Obama

DENVER - Former NBA star and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) supporter Charles Barkely was in Denver Tuesday attending the Democratic National Convention.

Barkely says that Obama is a friend of his and the highlight for him will be Obama's speech on Thursday.

"I've never been to a convention before and this is awesome," said Barkley.

Barkley reflected on the experiences that he and his family had in Alabama where he grew up. He recalled the church bombings that took place in Birmingham and said his mother and grandmother grew up in that time and did a great job teaching him.

"We've got to address the economic disparities in America. The gap between the rich and the poor is worse than it's ever been and that is why I am supporting Barack and the Democratic Party," he said.

When asked if he would be campaigning with Obama he responded, "He knows all he gotta do is pick up the phone."