Obama Honors Bush-Bashing Beatle While Oil Hits Coast

Sir Paul McCartney has been honoured by Barack Obama at the White House - even though he risked "getting punched out" by the US President.

Mr Obama presented Sir Paul with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in a star-studded ceremony in the East Room of the White House.

And Macca celebrated by serenading First Lady Michelle Obama with the classic Beatles love ballad "Michelle" - and then joked: "I could be the first ever guy to be punched out by a President."

The former Beatle was part of a concert in his honour featuring Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Herbie Hancock, The Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill and Emmylou Harris.

Mr Obama said: "By its very definition pop music is fleeting. Rarely is it composed with an eye toward standing the test of time, and that's what makes Paul's career so legendary.

"It's hard to believe that it's been nearly half a century since four lads from Liverpool first landed on our shores, and changed everything overnight."The 67-year-old McCartney had said he was "slightly nervous" about performing just three feet in front of the Obamas.He said receiving the honour was special enough but receiving it from Mr Obama added significance.He told the President: "I know there is a lot you are dealing with but there are billions of us rooting for you."

The truth is people say 'go on, do that one' but I have no idea how it goes.

Paul McCartney

He also had a dig at former president George W Bush, saying: "After the last eight years it is great to have a President who knows what a library is."

Earlier in the week, McCartney had defended Mr Obama for his handling of the Gulf Coast oil crisis. "He's a great guy so lay off him," he said.

The evening ended with McCartney being joined on stage by the entire First Family for a rendition of Hey Jude.

The Gershwin Prize - Washington's highest music award - is named after song-writing brothers George and Ira Gershwin, whose collections are housed at the library.

Sir Paul said the award, which has been given to stars like Wonder and Paul Simon in the past, was special because he had grown up listening to the Gershwins' music.

Librarian of Congress James Billington said McCartney had made an impact beyond music - "symbolising and humanising the global soundscape" - and with his activism around the world.

This is McCartney's first major lifetime achievement award from the US government.

He was due to receive the Kennedy Centre Honour, the country's top prize for performing artists, in 2002 but backed out because of a scheduling conflict.

He was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 10 years ago.
After hearing McCartney's remarks... I threw away my entire collection of Beatles albums.  Then I heard someone earlier say that her heard one of McCartney's songs on the radio earlier and he wanted to gag.  Hopefully more patriotic Americans have that reaction!
And for God sake... doesn't anyone have an original thought... let's stop with the Bush bashing already.  The comment wasn't funny and was absolutely absurd!!
And maybe Obama should spend as much time with friendly heads of state as he does did with McCartney and playing golf!