Touchdown: Obama gives Arab network first TV interview

So often it's not only what you say, but where and how you say it that can send a very strong message. Barack Obama did just that by opting to give his first sit-down television interview as President to a journalist with the Al-Arabiya network. In his inaugural address, Obama spoke directly to the Muslim world, and promised a new extension of the United States' hand. Following that up with a one-on-one interview with Arab television reinforced that message and commitment in the strongest possible terms. And, in the interview itself, Obama chose to highlight the fact that members of his own family are Muslim, and that his personal experience living in the world's most populous Muslim nation (where he spent some of his boyhood years) helps give him some direct insight on the world of Islam. Reaction from throughout the Muslim world was swift and positive, with many saying they now have a different view of the United States with Obama in charge. Message sent, message received, Touchdown called on the play.