President Obama isn’t apologizing for calling rapper Kanye West a “jackass” in 2009. In fact, the president still considers West to be a jackass, albeit a talented one.
Back in 2009, an off-the-record comment by Obama, was tweeted by an ABC reporter, who wrote: “Pres. Obama just called Kanye West a “jackass” for his outburst at VMAs when Taylor Swift won. Now THAT’S presidential.”
The reporter quickly deleted the tweet, but it was retweeted by thousands of Twitter users, prompting an ABC spokesman to release a statement apologizing to the White House and CNBC.
But apparently, President Obama still doesn’t think much of Kanye.
From E! Online:
When asked which hip-hop artist he prefers—Kanye or Jay-Z—Obama offered up a further presidential assessment of the former.
“Jay-Z,” he replied with a smile. “Although I like Kanye. He’s a Chicago guy. Smart. He’s very talented.”
After being reminded of the slam heard around the world, however, the president stuck to his guns regarding the outspoken performer.
“He is a jackass,” he added. “But he’s talented.”
