"It doesn't matter what people call you. It matters what you think you should do for your country," Putin said.
When asked to comment on his popularity in the United States, Putin guessed that Americans have "nothing else to occupy themselves with."
The sharp-tongued anchorman was quick to respond: "Perhaps, they're curious. Maybe you're a very interesting person."
The interview was recorded prior to the Russian leader's visit to New York where he is set to address the UN General Assembly on September 28. The full version of interview will air on Sunday.
