2009-10-30 09:35:38
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Ap Music Writer
Thu Oct 29, 3:06 pm ET
NEW YORK Sting isn't a religious man, but he says President Barack Obama
might be a divine answer to the world's problems.
"In many ways, he's sent from God," he joked in an interview, "because the
world's a mess."
But Sting is serious in his belief that Obama is the best leader to navigate
the world's problems. In an interview on Wednesday, the former Police frontman
said that he spent some time with Obama and "found him to be very genuine, very
present, clearly super-smart, and exactly what we need in the world."
"I can't think of anyone better qualified because of his background, his
education, particularly in regard to Islam," he said.
Still, Sting acknowledged the president had a "difficult job" ahead of him.
The British singer, who released the seasonal album "On A Winter's Night" this
week, said he's fascinated by American politics, Obama, and also by Obama's
opponents on the right.
"It's aggressive and violent and full of fear," he said of the backlash against
Obama. "They don't want change, they want things to feel the same because they
feel safe there."
Sting, 58, said he's hopeful that the world's problems can be dealt with, but
is frustrated that "we seem to be living in a currency of medieval ideas."
"My hope is that we can start talking about real issues and not caring about
whether God cares about your hemline or your color," he said. "We are here to
evolve as one family, and we can't be separate anymore."