Ellison praises Obama's speech on Islam

Washington (AP) — Rep. Keith Ellison, one of two Muslims in Congress, says President Barack Obama's speech to the Muslim world is as important for its symbolism as anything else.

Ellison, who Obama mentioned during his speech in Cairo, said in a short interview with the Associated Press on Thursday that Obama's speech represented a historic moment.

He says it was important to see an American president speaking in a Muslim country talking about shared responsibility and shared history. He says it signals "better days ahead" for the United States' interaction with the Muslim world.

Ellison says he thinks American Muslims are enormously proud that Obama gave the speech.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 06/04/2009, 5:15 p.m.