President Barack Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

[Xenophon]

Anyone find out who it was that sponsored him? You do need a sponsor to get nominated, along with some money, of course.

God, Barry is his son don't you know.

 

[theHawk]

Does it really matter whether or not he knew who submitted his name?

Maybe he submitted it? Maybe Nancy Pelosi submitted it?

I don't know who submitted, but regardless, I don't think he had anything to do with his selection.

Immie

It might matter if Obama knew if he was being considered. As someone else pointed out, could that be the reason he has dragging his heels on the Afghanistan decision? Surely they would not of awarded it to him if had decided in the last few weeks to send more troops as McChrystal asked. That would make him a 'warmonger'.

 

[Ame®icano]

People usually win the Nobel price after they have done something.

What did Obama do to be even nominated?

 

[Care4all]

Of course, we KNOW this is not Obama's fault so HE can NOT be blamed for this appearing rushed decision to nominate him by the committee....I am certain some of you will find a way to blame obama for the committee's seemingly rushed choice.

Though I do believe the panel was only nominating people at the time, and months afterwards could have been used to make their decision on the winner and not just the first 10 days of Obama being in office.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. A person does not get nominated for a prize before he or she has earned the right to win the prize. The nomination and prize are to be awarded after the deed has been done.

I'm not saying that the President's effort should never be recognized, but they should not have been recognized before they were actually done. IMHO.

And no, I do not blame President Obama for this.

Immie

good morning Immie...
Maybe they thought he had done enough in his first 10 days that looked promising to them?

In the first days of his presidency, his operatives say, Obama will hit the ground running.

Number one: focus on the economy with meetings with his economic advisers.

He'll try and get support for that economic stimulus plan on Capitol Hill.

But he'll also take some actions to signal a fresh start in foreign policy.

On Wednesday, his first full day in office, he will call in his military commanders as he promised during the campaign in order to come up with a withdrawal plan from Iraq.

On Wednesday or Thursday, he also will issue executive orders to issue the closing of Guantanamo Bay, though he won't say a time.

And in week one, he's going to appoint new envoys to carry out his diplomatic missions: Dennis Ross, a longtime middle east peace negotiator will focus on Iran and other areas and Richard Holbrooke, who negotiated the Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia, will focus on India and Pakistan.

--George Stephanopoulos

 

[Xenophon]

People usually win the Nobel price after they have done something.

What did Obama do to be even nominated?

You dare question..

The one??!

 

[California Girl]

So, he gets a few $$$s for this award, right? And since Public Servants are not supposed to accept gifts etc while in public office... does this mean he has to hand his prize over to his employers.... (as in "we, the people")?

 

[Immanuel]

Does it really matter whether or not he knew who submitted his name?

Maybe he submitted it? Maybe Nancy Pelosi submitted it?

I don't know who submitted, but regardless, I don't think he had anything to do with his selection.

Immie

It might matter if Obama knew if he was being considered. As someone else pointed out, could that be the reason he has dragging his heels on the Afghanistan decision? Surely they would not of awarded it to him if had decided in the last few weeks to send more troops as McChrystal asked. That would make him a 'warmonger'.

Don't get me wrong, I agree. If a person knows they are up for contention they can "play at peace" in order to win the prize.

Seems to me like that is a very good reason for winning the prize for things you HAVE done and not things you are expected to do in the future.

Immie

 

[KGB]

now, that the Nobel Prize has been reduced to the status of a gold star on a 3rd grade spelling test, what would be the smart thing (politically) for Obama to do?

Decline it. Graciously state what an honor it is, but that more work needs to be done in order to meet the high standards of the Nobel committee. This would raise his cache & it might even lead him to actually do something noteworthy of receiving the award in the first place.....

 

[WillowTree]

now, that the Nobel Prize has been reduced to the status of a gold star on a 3rd grade spelling test, what would be the smart thing (politically) for Obama to do?

Decline it. Graciously state what an honor it is, but that more work needs to be done in order to meet the high standards of the Nobel committee. This would raise his cache & it might even lead him to actually do something noteworthy of receiving the award in the first place.....

I think you are wrong. I think this will definitely call for another million dollar tax payer funded night on the town with the other one who took 45 years to fine a reason to have pride in her country. Definitely worth celebrating.

 

[tigerbob]

Love him or hate him; Obama is "OUR" president

He represents America and "ALL" of her people.

"EVERYONE" should be "PROUD" that the world honors "OUR" leader..

He represents "ALL" Americans

Only unpatriotic and anti-american people will denegrate this award for "OUR" president.

We can't deny the partisan hacks their sour grapes fest.

Mr Obama becomes the third sitting US President to receive the prize. The committee said today that he had “captured the world’s attention”. It is certainly true that his energy and aspirations have dazzled many of his supporters. Sadly, it seems they have so bedazzled the Norwegians that they can no longer separate hopes from achievement. The achievements of all previous winners have been diminished.
Comment: absurd decision on Obama makes a mockery of the Nobel peace prize - Times Online

The reality is that the prize appears to have been awarded to Barack Obama for what he is not. For not being George W Bush. Or rather being less like the last president. The question now is whether having being anointed perhaps too early by the committee, a Nobel prize earned so cheaply and at so little cost will help him in his efforts on the international stage or rather be an albatross around his neck. Something against which all his future efforts will be judged – and perhaps found wanting.
Barack Obama's Nobel prize: why now? | World news | guardian.co.uk

Obama likely understands that his challenges are too steep to resolve — much less honour — after just a few months. "It's not going to be easy," the president often says of the tasks ahead for the United States and the world. The Nobel committee, it seems, had the audacity to hope that he'll eventually produce a record worthy of its prize.
Analysis: He won, but for what? - Americas, World - The Independent

The only possible explanation for the judges' decision to reward Mr Obama is that they are betting on his future achievements. They think he might secure an epoch-making settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians as well as a sweeping disarmament treaty with Russia. Having previously given the Nobel Peace Prize to leaders who have made real agreements to resolve real conflicts, the judges now appear to be rewarding effort and possible future accomplishment.
Analysis: Barack Obama wins 2009 Nobel peace prize - Telegraph

Feeling among the major British newspapers appears to be one of, erm, surprise. Even the left leaning Guardian has reservations.

Of course, these can be easily dismissed as "partisan hacks". Or if that doesn't work, foreign and therefore irrelevant. Or envy, of course.

I'd be interested to see whether opinion is more favorable in other countries, irrelevant though world opinion is.

 

[Navy1960]

OSLO — US President Barack Obama sensationally won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday just nine months into his term, prompting world leaders to urge him to use the accolade to step up efforts for global peace.

The jury hailed Obama's "extraordinary" efforts in international diplomacy and to hasten nuclear disarmament, but criticism surged quickly over how the award could be given so soon.

The US leader, 48, said he was "humbled" by the distinction.

"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future," the Nobel jury said in making the stunning announcement.
AFP: 'Humbled' Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

So offering hope and change and capturing the worlds attention is the reason for the prize? Then why not award the prize to the Beatles, or perhaps, Kim Jong as they are by definition offering the same. Since when does a speech on nuclear arms control qualify as having an impact on nuclear arms? I wonder if the committee has noticed the recent issues with Iran and N. Korea or has that just sort of skipped their minds. No matter, the Presidents own surprise about the reward sums up it all up and while one cannot argue that getting a Nobel Prize is an honor, in this case it is very premature to say the least.

 

[nodoginnafight]

Doesn't it just SUCK when the majority in your own country as well a majority of the international community don't agree with your biases?????

These apoplectic whinings are the icing on the cake. What a GREAT day!

 

[tigerbob]

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. A person does not get nominated for a prize before he or she has earned the right to win the prize. The nomination and prize are to be awarded after the deed has been done.

I'm not saying that the President's effort should never be recognized, but they should not have been recognized before they were actually done. IMHO.

And no, I do not blame President Obama for this.

Immie

You think his name was put forward without his knowledge?

Does it really matter whether or not he knew who submitted his name?

Maybe he submitted it? Maybe Nancy Pelosi submitted it?

I don't know who submitted, but regardless, I don't think he had anything to do with his selection.

Immie

I think it does matter. He's a smart man. He should know very well (or if not his PR people should have told him) that getting nominated for an award like this as soon as you take office is preposterous and will quite easily become a PR calamity.

 

[Vel]

Maybe the Nobel committee thought Obama needed a pat on the head after getting kicked in the groin by the Olympic committee.

 

[Immanuel]

Of course, we KNOW this is not Obama's fault so HE can NOT be blamed for this appearing rushed decision to nominate him by the committee....I am certain some of you will find a way to blame obama for the committee's seemingly rushed choice.

Though I do believe the panel was only nominating people at the time, and months afterwards could have been used to make their decision on the winner and not just the first 10 days of Obama being in office.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. A person does not get nominated for a prize before he or she has earned the right to win the prize. The nomination and prize are to be awarded after the deed has been done.

I'm not saying that the President's effort should never be recognized, but they should not have been recognized before they were actually done. IMHO.

And no, I do not blame President Obama for this.

Immie

good morning Immie...
Maybe they thought he had done enough in his first 10 days that looked promising to them?

In the first days of his presidency, his operatives say, Obama will hit the ground running.

Number one: focus on the economy with meetings with his economic advisers.

He'll try and get support for that economic stimulus plan on Capitol Hill.

But he'll also take some actions to signal a fresh start in foreign policy.

On Wednesday, his first full day in office, he will call in his military commanders as he promised during the campaign in order to come up with a withdrawal plan from Iraq.

On Wednesday or Thursday, he also will issue executive orders to issue the closing of Guantanamo Bay, though he won't say a time.

And in week one, he's going to appoint new envoys to carry out his diplomatic missions: Dennis Ross, a longtime middle east peace negotiator will focus on Iran and other areas and Richard Holbrooke, who negotiated the Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia, will focus on India and Pakistan.

--George Stephanopoulos

I don't think so, Care, and good morning.

He might deserve the prize in 2010 or 2011, but I just don't think he had done enough to have earned the prize by Feb 1, 2009. It appears that this award was undeserved at the time he was nominated.

Immie

 

[tigerbob]

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you. A person does not get nominated for a prize before he or she has earned the right to win the prize. The nomination and prize are to be awarded after the deed has been done.

I'm not saying that the President's effort should never be recognized, but they should not have been recognized before they were actually done. IMHO.

And no, I do not blame President Obama for this.

Immie

good morning Immie...
Maybe they thought he had done enough in his first 10 days that looked promising to them?

In the first days of his presidency, his operatives say, Obama will hit the ground running.

Number one: focus on the economy with meetings with his economic advisers.

He'll try and get support for that economic stimulus plan on Capitol Hill.

But he'll also take some actions to signal a fresh start in foreign policy.

On Wednesday, his first full day in office, he will call in his military commanders as he promised during the campaign in order to come up with a withdrawal plan from Iraq.

On Wednesday or Thursday, he also will issue executive orders to issue the closing of Guantanamo Bay, though he won't say a time.

And in week one, he's going to appoint new envoys to carry out his diplomatic missions: Dennis Ross, a longtime middle east peace negotiator will focus on Iran and other areas and Richard Holbrooke, who negotiated the Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia, will focus on India and Pakistan.

--George Stephanopoulos

I don't think so, Care, and good morning.

He might deserve the prize in 2010 or 2011, but I just don't think he had done enough to have earned the prize by Feb 1, 2009. It appears that this award was undeserved at the time he was nominated.

Immie

I agree. At best, this has to be seen as premature.

 

[Ame®icano]

Bush AIDS fight saved 1.1M, study says - and what he gets in return? Did he asked for anything?

Obama hands out false hope and promises, accomplishes basically nothing and he gets Nobel prize.

Next year Obama could be nominated for Nobel prize for economy... or mathematics, for paying $829 B health care bill and stay deficit neutral.

 

[Xenophon]

Doesn't it just SUCK when the majority in your own country as well a majority of the international community don't agree with your biases?????

These apoplectic whinings are the icing on the cake. What a GREAT day!

Doesn't it suck when people win awards for nothing?

Its fun to watch people like you cheer on a hollow and meaningless 'victory.'

 

[namvet]

When Jimmie Carter won it that was a low. When Yassar Arafat won it, that was arguably a new low, and now for selling out his country, for apologizing to our enemies, for obstructing our interests, the Nobel Price Committee has hit rock bottom.

The Nobel committee's decision was motivated by Obama's initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.

duh the nukes are still there

ease tensions with ragheads. didn't they attempt to kill him???? and he left murdered muslims behind. alah be praised.

and obviously he failed totally. what a fuckin joke. guess they couldn't find Bin Laden so Osama was number two on the list

is he going to get a prize for murdering our kids in Afghanistan to ????

 

[Navy1960]

I find it interesting that people are seperating this issue between democrats and republicans, here is a little view from the left on his recent reward...

Though i love obama, though i very badly wanted obama to win the US election, though i think the first lady and Mr.President are all capable and qualified to be the president of USA,though i believe obama will definitely bring the change he proposed to bring...

I DONT THINK HE HAS DONE ENOUGH TO QUALIFY FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE....

PEACE???

Thousands are getting killed in Iraq AND IF NOT MORE THAN HUSSEIN ATLEAST AS EQUAL REASON FOR THE SAME IS AMERICA.

Thousands of innocents are getting killed in Afganistan... Not just by TALIBAN but also by Americas cross fire...

Majority of world arms trade happens because and through America. America is worlds largest exporter of ARMS...Inmany cases to both the waring countries...
Daily Kos: State of the Nation

Now while most try to make this a right and left issue, it not a right and left issue, it is a simple issue of recognizing that this President has not done anything to merit this prize yet. In fact, I will go you one better and say that while not a supporter of Jimmy Carter it would be hard to argue that his work with H4H did not merit a prize. I tend to agree though with one of the previous posters, that this might turn into a PR issue for this President if he does not eventually do something to merit this prize while in office and perhaps as one other poster has suggested it has more to do with the selection jury being happy that George W. Bush is no longer in the White House.