Barack Obama issues advice to Kanye West, ahead of presidential run in 2020
Mr Obama was speaking at a Democrat fundraiser where West was performing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barack Obama has commented on Kanye West’s declaration he will run for US presidency in 2020.
West, who announced his decision at the MTV VMAs in September, joined Mr Obama at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser event in San Francisco where he was scheduled to perform.
Mentioning West’s anticipated performance to fundraiser attendees, Obama also issued West with some ‘advice’ on running for office.
He began: “First of all, you’ve got to spend some time dealing with some strange characters who behave like they’re on a reality TV show.”
West’s wife Kim Kardashian-West and her family have a successful reality TV show, now in its 11th season: Keeping up with the Kardashians.
Secondly, Mr Obama advised West over his choice of album titles: “Saying you have a 'Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'… is something a lot of people have lost their congressional seats over.”
Finally Mr Obama questioned if the US would actually elect “a black guy from the South Side of Chicago with a funny name to be President”, saying that idea was “cray”.
Mr Obama lived on the South Side of Chicago before he was elected President.
Ahead of her husband’s performance, Kardashian-West displayed on Instagram two boxes of ‘Yeezy’ trainers, designed by the rapper, which were set aside to be given to the President.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments