Fact Check: Barack Obama called Kanye West a “jackass.”

Fact Check: "Barack Obama called Kanye West a 'jackass.'"

What We Know

The claim that Barack Obama referred to Kanye West as a "jackass" is rooted in a specific incident that occurred in 2009. During an interview with CNBC, Obama made this remark in response to Kanye West's interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards. Obama stated, "The young lady seems like a perfectly nice person. She's getting her award. What's he doing up there? He's a jackass" (Politico, The Guardian). This comment was widely reported and became a notable moment in both pop culture and political discourse.

In subsequent years, Obama reiterated this sentiment. In a 2012 interview, he acknowledged calling West a "jackass," adding that he liked Kanye and recognized his talent (Essence, Rolling Stone). This further confirms that the statement was not a one-time slip but rather a consistent view expressed by Obama regarding West's behavior during the incident.

Analysis

The reliability of the sources confirming this claim is high. Major news outlets such as Politico, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone reported on the incident at the time and have maintained credibility in their reporting. The context of the original remark is crucial; it was made during a live interview shortly after the MTV incident, which adds to its authenticity.

Moreover, the consistency of Obama's comments over the years reinforces the claim's validity. His acknowledgment of the remark in later interviews indicates that it was not taken out of context or misrepresented. The sources used are reputable and provide direct quotes and context, which is essential for verifying the accuracy of the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that Barack Obama called Kanye West a "jackass" is True. The statement was made publicly during a CNBC interview in 2009 and has been confirmed by multiple reliable sources. Obama's comments were in direct response to Kanye West's controversial actions at the MTV Video Music Awards, and he has reiterated this sentiment in subsequent interviews.

Sources

1. Obama calls Kanye a 'jack-ass' - POLITICO
2. Obama Goes on Record to Call Kanye West a 'Jackass' - Essence
3. Obama calls Kanye West a 'jackass' over MTV outburst - The Guardian
4. Obama Calls Kanye West a 'Jackass,' Again - Rolling Stone
5. Microsoft Stream - Wikipedia
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