Merle Haggard surprised to find Obama ‘very humble’

WASHINGTON - Country music legend Merle Haggard, who met U.S. President Barack Obama earlier this month, found him to be ‘very different’ from the way he is portrayed in the media.

“Not conceited. He’s very humble about being the president of the United States, especially in comparison to some presidents we’ve had who come across like they don’t need anybody’s help,” the Politico quoted him as saying in an interview with Rolling Stone.

Haggard met Obama at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, where he was feted alongside Sir Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey, among others, for enhancing the country’s cultural life.

“I think he knows he’s in over his head. Anybody with any sense who takes that job and thinks they can handle it must be an idiot,” he said.

Haggard said it was ‘really almost criminal’ how Obama was portrayed in the media.

“There seems to be no shame or anything. They call him all kinds of names all day long, saying he’s doing certain things that he’s not,” he said.

The singer said he was ‘very surprised’ to find Obama ‘very humble’.

“He had a nice handshake. His wife was very cordial to the guests and especially me. They made a special effort to make me feel welcome,” he added. (ANI)