But the fundamental logic of the strategy is transparent, if not factually sound: Having West on the ballot could pull votes away from Biden and given Trump an edge, especially if the race is tight in key states.

"[It] could siphon from Trump Blacks who don't like Biden," he said.

"Blacks who don't like Biden in a two-way race would vote for the president.

"I am taking the red hat off, with this interview." His reason: "It looks like one big mess to me.

I don't like that I caught wind that he hid in the bunker.".

And West was eager to criticize Biden, and expressed comfort with the idea of doing damage to the former vice president's White House chances.

After that interview was published, however, West took to Twitter to throw cold water on the idea that he's only in it to hurt Biden:.