The president shared his thoughts on the controversial rapper and said, “He’s a Chicago guy. Smart. He’s very talented.”
When the reporter questioned Obama further in regards to his 2009 comments, the president responded, “He is a jackass.” He quickly followed up to soften the blow, “But he’s talented.”
Obama’s answer isn’t surprising. He told CNBC in 2009, “I thought that was really inappropriate. You know it was like she’s getting an award – why are you butting in? The young lady seems like a perfectly nice person. She’s getting her award. What’s he doing up there? He’s a jackass.”
And for the record, President Obama said he prefers Jay-Z over Kanye West.
