Writers have always liked my stuff, pretty much. That's what I wanted - I think my goal wasn't to get rich and famous, necessarily, though I cared about that. I always thought, "Oh, this could be a hit," or "that will sell records." But the first thing I wanted was that people who knew a lot about music, or had taste-making qualities, they would like my stuff. Writers, people like that.

I'm dreaming of a white president. Just like the ones we've always had. A real live white man. Who knows the score, how to handle money or start a war. Wouldn't even have to tell me what we were fighting for. He'd be the right man, if he were a white man.

Mostly, I don't write overtly personal stuff.

Still, it's clear that there are lots of people out there who are uncomfortable [about racism]. The Civil War was a long time ago but there are aspects of it that remain unsettled.

You keep wondering whether people will see that Barack Obama is a liar and not very bright.

Don't forget to bring that little blonde haired girl along. You know the one, love to watch her jump up and down.

I once had dinner with Madonna and I wasn't nervous but within about a minute I found myself talking about underwear.