Kanye West made for ‘one of the most disgusting moments’ of George W. Bush’s presidency
Next week, NBC will air a special “Matt Lauer Reports,” with the “Today” host conducting the first one-on-one TV interview George W. Bush has given since his presidency ended.
And while the former president does talk about some weighty issues — including the 9/11 attacks, his decision to declare war on Iraq, Donald Rumsfeld’s resignation and his 1976 DUI — some of his strongest words are saved for Kanye West, who on a national telethon for the victims of Hurricane Katrina stated, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.”
“I didn’t appreciate it then. I don’t appreciate it now,” Bush tells Lauer. “It’s one thing to say, ‘I don’t appreciate the way he’s handled his business.’ It’s another to say, ‘This man’s a racist.’ I resent it, it’s not true, and it was one of the most disgusting moments in my presidency.”
Bush also expresses these sentiments in his upcoming book, “Decision Points,” and Lauer points out that he might criticized for it.
“Don’t care,” says Bush.
“Wel, here’s the reason,” continues Lauer (who is used to dealing prickly interview subjects, least we forget that lively Tom Cruise one a few years back). “You’re not saying that the worst moment in your presidency was watching the misery in Louisiana. You’re saying it was when someone insulted you because of that.”
“I also make it clear that the misery in Louisiana affected me deeply as well,” insists Bush. “There’s a lot of tough moments in the book. And it was a disgusting moment, pure and simple.”
Can’t get enough W? “Matt Lauer Reports” will air Monday (Nov. 8) at 10 p.m. ET, “Decision Points” will come out on Tuesday and Bush will join Lauer again, live, on “Today” Wednesday morning.
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