Obama wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

[DanKellFla]

Unlike his predecessors, Obama was selected not for substantive accomplishments, but for his "vision" and inspiring "hope" at the beginning of his presidency.

"For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman," the committee said, explaining its decision.

From cnn.com

Ummmmmmm, OK. You are the guys making the rules.

[Pburgh]

I heard that when his press secretary got the call he thought he was being "punked". LOL
True, it was GMA this morning.

[cycloneye]

CNN) -- President Barack Obama said Friday that he was humbled by the decision of the Norwegian Nobel Committee to award him the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

President Obama, speaking Friday, said the award was "an affirmation of American leadership."

"I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments. But rather as an affirmation of American leadership. ... I will accept this award as a call to action."

Obama said he did not feel he deserves "to be in the company" of past winners, but would continue to push a broad range of international objectives, including nuclear non-proliferation, a reversal of the global economic downturn, and a resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

He acknowledged the ongoing U.S. conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, noting that he is the "commander in chief of a country that is responsible for ending" one war and confronting a dangerous adversary in another.

"This award is not simply about my administration," he said. It "must be shared" with everyone who strives for "justice and dignity."

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europ ... index.html

[Pburgh]

I strive for justice and we all know how dignified I am. Do you think he'd share part of that 1.5 million with me?

[vbhoutex]

I think my biggest problem with this is that it is apparently not based on the Nobel "rules" since the nomination was made in February, long before any of his initiatives had started. The prize is supposed to be based on accomplishments, not possibilities. I hope he lives up to what he has been given.

[MGC]

Early Halloween? Trick or Treat?.....sorry, could not help myself. It is a good idea not to have a political forum here, though it was fun while it lasted......MGC

[Ptarmigan]

I think my biggest problem with this is that it is apparently not based on the Nobel "rules" since the nomination was made in February, long before any of his initiatives had started. The prize is supposed to be based on accomplishments, not possibilities. I hope he lives up to what he has been given.

I agree.

[jasons2k]

If I were on the committee I'd have this to say: let's see if he can actually deliver on his promises to fix the Middle East & Afghanistan and then consider such an award.

It's what you do that counts. Not what you say you'll do.

[Stephanie]

things like this is why we need a political forum here once again

Nothing non-political can be said about this topic

NOOOOO...this is exactly why we DON'T need a political forum to drive the Admins and Mods crazy. It's not worth it.

I understand the "why" they awarded him, but I do think it is premature. I'm not sure of all of the other names on the list, but I'm sure that they are all quite deserving in their own right.

I am happy for President Obama and really the United States as a whole.

[Stephanie]

I heard that when his press secretary got the call he thought he was being "punked". LOL
True, it was GMA this morning.

I can see him saying that. It certainly came out of left field for everyone.