Kanye West Gave George Bush His Worst Moment

What was the nadir of George W. Bush's presidency? No, not the war in Iraq, the invasion of Afghanistan, the recession, or even Fahrenheit 9/11. According to the former President, that moment comes courtesy of rapper Kanye West.

In an interview with Matt Lauer, Bush recalls the time West famously interrupted a Hurricane Katrina telethon to interject, "George Bush doesn't care about black people." Now, Bush looks back on what he feels is the worst memory from his presidency. “He called me a racist,” Bush said. “And I didn’t appreciate it then. I don’t appreciate it now. It’s one thing to say, ‘I don’t appreciate the way he’s handled his business.’ It’s another thing to say, ‘This man’s a racist.’ I resent it, it’s not true.”

Lauer then quoted from Bush's upcoming memoir: "I faced a lot of criticism as President. I didn’t like hearing people claim that I lied about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction or cut taxes to benefit the rich. But the suggestion that I was racist because of the response to Katrina represented an all-time low." Asking Bush to confirm, the ex-President said, "My record was strong I felt when it came to race relations and giving people a chance. And it was a disgusting moment.”

The anchor seemed somewhat puzzled by the response, telling Bush that he might get into some trouble for his comment. "You’re not saying that the worst moment in your presidency was watching the misery in Louisiana," he said. "You’re saying it was when someone insulted you because of that.” Bush had a different take. "I also make it clear that the misery in Louisiana affected me deeply as well… It was a disgusting moment, pure and simple.” The full interview will air November 8 on Matt Lauer Reports, a day before the release of Bush's book, Decision Points. –AMY LEE