President Obama, as promised earlier by the White House, visited a Baltimore mosque today.
Audience in overflow room at Baltimore Mosque awaiting Pres Obama's arrival. (TV Pool photo by @locamama). pic.twitter.com/SS1xPsNrpt
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Scouts serve as Color Guard for Pres Obama's appearance at Baltimore Mosque. pic.twitter.com/Lie6ePZJM9
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Having removed his shoes, Pres Obama walks to lectern in Baltimore Mosque to deliver remarks to Muslim Community. pic.twitter.com/0k7JlnnHU5
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Here’s a sampling of what Obama said in his speech, via CBS News’ Mark Knoller:
"This mosque, like so many in this country, is an All-American story," says Pres Obama at start of Mosque speech. pic.twitter.com/XHqWQDV4m8
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Pres thanks Muslim Americans for serving their community, their neighbors and "keeping us strong and united as one American family."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
.@POTUS decries "inexcusable political rhetoric that has no place in our country" directed at Muslim Americans.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
"For more than a thousand years," says Pres Obama in Mosque speech, "people have been drawn to Islam’s message of peace."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
"Islam has always been part of America," says @POTUS, citing the faith brought to America by some slaves.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Pres says "generations of Muslim Americans helped to build our nation," and cites first Mosque ever built in US was in North Dakota.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Recommended
Pres says Muslim Americans are "some of the most resilient and patriotic Americans you'll ever meet."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
"We have to respect the fact that we have freedom of religion," says @POTUS in Mosque speech. pic.twitter.com/X5V5rsKg1M
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
"An attack on one faith is an attack on all our faiths," says Pres Obama, adding that Americans must speak up when any group is targeted.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
.@POTUS says best way to fight terrorism is to show the US does not suppress Islam and refute lies to the contrary.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Pres says Muslim political leaders "have to push back on the lie" that the West represses Muslims.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Pres also calls for "global pressure" to end the fights between Muslim sects that produces so much bloodshed.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Tells Muslim Americans that US will be their partner to help them promote pluralism and peace.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Pres tells young people "you're not Muslim or American – you're Muslim AND American." You don't have to choose between faith & patriotism.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
"We are one American family," says @POTUS at Baltimore Mosque. "We will rise and fall together. It won’t always be easy."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Among the things Obama would like to see happen:
"Our TV shows should have some Muslim characters that are unrelated to national security," says @POTUS. "It's not that hard to do."
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 3, 2016
Maybe the president should have a chat with his Hollywood pals about that.
"@markknoller: "TV shows should have some Muslim characters," says @POTUS. " I sense an Executive Order coming!
— Sir 'editorial standards' Mycroft (@sir_mycroft) February 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/BecketAdams/status/694956534309191680
BWAHAHAHA! Thanks President Writers Guild. https://t.co/mM3bmvGS0N
— Chris Stigall (@ChrisStigall) February 3, 2016
We already have them. Abed from Community is a huge example.
Once again, POTUS don’t notice. https://t.co/Po6gImlDEN
— Brandon Morse (@TheBrandonMorse) February 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/GomesBolt/status/694949615242764288
If only.