Putin: I’m Not ‘the Kind of Strongman I’m Portrayed’ As

RUSH EXCERPT:
WALLACE: "Finally, I know one of the reasons he wanted to do this interview was so that people in the United States and the west could get a better understanding of the real man. You are often portrayed as a strong man, and autocrat, a person who is a symbol of Russia's strength. Are those fair characterizations of you, sir?"
PUTIN (as interpreted): "Are not laying claim to be this kind of a strong man that I am being portrayed, but from the point of view of legal symbols, flag, all of them symbolize the country and it's the same for any country. The anthem, the national flag and the institute of the presidency. They portray Russian values and what it's ready to go for, what it's ready to stand for, to build a relationship with such a great country as the United States."