Putin admires

Putin reveals what he admires most about Americans

By Nick Gass

Vladimir Putin can put his finger on what he admires about the American people.

"I like the creativity," the Russian president told Charlie Rose in an excerpt of a "60 Minutes" interview set to air Sunday.

"Creativity when it comes to your tackling problems," Putin elaborated, according to a translation. "Their openness — openness and open-mindedness — because it allows them to unleash the inner potential of their people. And thanks to that, America has attained such amazing results in developing their country."

Putin also rejected some peoples' characterization of him as czar, remarking in Russian, "So what?"

"It's not important how I'm called, whether these are well-wishers, friends or political opponents. It's important what you think about you, what you must do for the interest of the country which has entrusted you with the position as the head of the Russian state," he said.

When Rose told the Russian leader that he is a subject of much discussion, he responded by saying that "maybe they have nothing else to do in America but talk about me."

Russian news agency TASS reported Thursday that Putin will meet with President Barack Obama during the United Nations General Assembly next week in New York, citing an "informed source."

The "60 Minutes" broadcast will also feature an interview with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump conducted by CBS News anchor Scott Pelley on Tuesday.