Obama one-upped Bush's frequent proclamations that Islam is a religion of peace by declaring in Cairo: "I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear." Rasmussen reports that Obama has his work cut out for himself:
Fewer than one-third of U.S. voters (32%) believe most Islamic nations want to have a positive and peaceful relationship with the United States. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% disagree and 24% are not sure. In a speech last Thursday in Cairo, Egypt, intended to reach out to Muslims worldwide, President Obama declared, "America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles - principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings."