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"First of all, you’ve got to spend a lot of time dealing with
some strange characters who behave like they’re on a reality TV
show. So you’ve just to be cool with that," Obama said to
laughter from a crowded theater where he was headlining a
fundraiser.
West is married to reality TV star Kim Kardashian.
"Second important tip: saying that you have a 'Beautiful Dark
Twisted Fantasy' -- that's what’s known as 'off-message' in
politics. You can't say something like that," Obama riffed,
making reference to a popular West album.
"And number three: do you really think that this country is
going to elect a black guy from the South Side of Chicago with a
funny name to be president of the United States? That is crazy.
That's cray!" Obama, who lived on the South Side of Chicago
before he was elected president, concluded, to applause.
West has said he's serious about running for president in 2020.
Obama opened his remarks at the fundraiser, at which West was
scheduled to perform, by joking that the entertainer was going
to jump into the increasingly complicated race to replace
Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner.
"A little bit later, you’re going to hear from a guy who I hear
has been talking about launching a potential political career,"
Obama told the crowd. "Kanye is thinking about running -- for
Speaker of the House. Couldn't get any stranger."
(Reporting by Jeff Mason Editing by W Simon)
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