Nobel Gesture — Take That George Bush!
EmailABC's Stu Schutzman reports from New York: Accolades are still pouring in from around the globe after the stunning announcement which seemed to some as much from outer space as from Oslo, Norway. “The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel peace prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” Gasps followed. Even the president himself would have been shocked by the news were he awake at the time but the Nobel committee chose not to disturb him. “Waking up a president in the middle of the night,” said Nobel chairman Thorbjoern Jagland, “this isn’t really something you do.” The bigger question might be; is awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to a sitting President of slightly more than 8 months “really something you do?” Obama has “captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future,” says the committee. “I recognize this language,” writes John Dickerson in Slate, “It is the sound of words groaning for a rationale.” Republicans were as quick to rain on the president’s parade — what has he accomplished? Asks the RNC in a press release. “It is unfortunate,” says the GOP, “that the President’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights.” But the release fails to name names maybe not wanting to enter into a debate involving their own former sitting president, George W. Bush. Check out the committee’s language, however, and it’s quite clear that Bush is the elephant in the room. “Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics,” — emphasis on the word “new.” “Diplomacy,” says the committee, “has regained a central position…Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving event the most difficult international conflicts.” Take that George Bush. Or — “Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.” Ouch! “I don’t feel I deserve,” said the President, “to be in the company of some of so many transformative figures that have been honored by this prize.” He will garner agreement from many critics there. “Turn it down,” writes Mickey Kaus also in Slate, “Demonstrating that he’s uncomfortable with his reputation as a man over celebrated for his potential long before he’s started to realize it.” In spite of the criticism of his sparse record, the president said he will accept the prize “as a call to action for nations to confront challenges of the 21st century.” But maybe the (Nobel) jury should still be out…at least long enough for his accomplishments to equal his acclaim.
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What a wonderful award.
Posted by: Leo Stack | October 9, 2009, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm
What a joke! It really shows you how worthless the so-called “peace prize” is! I guess Obama can join with his fellow Arafat in this distinquished prize. Will Barry give the prize money to the poor people displaced in Iraq or Afghanistan? Maybe to the families of the civilians killed by drones in Pakistan? Or to his family living in slums in Kenya? Or maybe to the crime-riddled and distitute citizens of his hometown Chicago? Or maybe for the detainees in Gitmo or secret prisons?
Posted by: Ed | October 9, 2009, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
It would be fantastic if those wonderful words from the Nobel committee actually become true.
However, where is the fruit of Obama’s wishes?
The war is gearing up. Many more deaths of soldiers have happened.
The taliban and al qaeda continue to wish us dead.
Iran’s Ahmadinejad wants us and Israel destroyed – “wiped off the face of the map”.
Pakistan is very much in danger.
The list goes on, unfortunately.
This nomination, apparently, is very much about what they think about Bush.
Their stinging words for Bush take away any true compliments that Obama may or may not deserve.
They should have waited to see if Obama could actually accomplish something before handing out the Nobel Peace Prize. They are just handing out an empty prize that matches up to Obama’s zero accomplishments. I’m not saying Obama will never accomplish anything. He may indeed – that would really be great. He just hasn’t done it yet – that’s all. He might do it – it could happen.
We all know that Obama inherited this war. We got that. He’s just finding out that things are not so simple – some people just will not do what you want them to do.
Posted by: let there be peace now - now, I say | October 9, 2009, 12:58 pm 12:58 pm
The question is, what did the GOP accomplish in its 8 year reign of confusion and mistakes from 2000-2008? Maybe they think GWB should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for starting 2 wars in one year? I think not. The GOP is so jealous of Obama and hate him so much for beating them, they can’t even see straight.
Posted by: Ron | October 9, 2009, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm
Congratulations to President Obama, an honor well deserved. He has accomplised more diplomacy on the World stage in 8 months than the previous administration did in 8 years.
8 years ago this week the previous administration and the Republican controlled Congress led us into Afghanistan with no exit strategy and it appears that the Obama Administration will have to clean up that mess too. Once accomplished the that action will too be deserving of Nobel Peace Prize #2.
As a patriotic American I take great pride in President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize as I’m sure that many of the silent majority feel that same pride. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins it again each year for the next 3 years.
Now if his administration could find a way to put muzzles on the likes of Rush Limbaugh and his constituients then they should all receive special awards. Limbaugh and likes have proven to be so anti-American, what has the Republican party come to????
Posted by: Jim | October 9, 2009, 1:22 pm 1:22 pm
Remember when Yasser Afarat, Israel’s PM Rabin, and Foreign Minister Peres won the Nobel Peace Price in l994?
In l995 Prime Minister Rabin was murdered.
So much for the Nobel Peace Prize —-
I supposed they received the prize from Nobel to “encourage them to see it through”.
Arafat saw it through alright – right until the day he died he was still the same man.
—————————————-
The Nobel Peace Prize should go for real accomplishments – accomplishments that last for a fair amount of time – not just wishing on a star dreams.
This selection cheapens the prize.
They should have waited to give to Pres. Obama the prize when and or if he really accomplishes something.
Will they take back the prize if Obama sends in more troops? I think the committee is just trying to manipulate Obama into bringing the troops home for good.
I wish the troops could indeed go home for good. I hope it does happen.
It’s not jealousy you are seeing; it’s just amazement, that’s all.
The Nobel people made this selection against Bush – not for Obama.
How silly is that?
Posted by: ddg | October 9, 2009, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
It’s typical that democrats want to put a “Muzzle” on republicans.
That way you won’t get anybody in your way and you will be able to bulldoze your agendas. Got it.
Do you think Nobel will want its prize back if Obama sends in more troops?
Posted by: ddg | October 9, 2009, 1:41 pm 1:41 pm
Yup. GOP backlash……from across the big pond.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | October 9, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
I believe what we are seeing is the contempt in the world in general towards the Republican Party in the US. With all the mayhem they’ve initiated and then the grovelling about Obama’s performance in the world they’ve given everyone constipation. The Neocons have tried and have been somewhat successful in tying the hands of Barack Obama. Any human being other than a Pub out there sees it and with this award is recognizing the bang up job our President is doing along with all the obstacles. And a final note….It took an African American with whom the Republican Party tolerates because they have to and not want to to say in your face.
Posted by: brecholle | October 9, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Wouldn’t it be precious if after 10 more years pass that what George Bush did to fight terrorism results in more peace in the world than what NoBo is going to do in his term as president.
We live in a strange world.
Posted by: Noz | October 9, 2009, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm
I just seen this and couldn’t believe what I was reading. Granted he is a gifted speaker, but if he isn’t even willing to listen to his advisers in regards to how to accomplish and end in Afghanistan (ala the Johnson white house) how can anyone even begin to think he deserves this award?
unbelievable….
Posted by: Mike | October 9, 2009, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
BHO should win an Oscar too! He’s the best actor in the world. He’s been successfully acting as eligible PotUS for years during his highly successful campaign and now during his lackluster term in office. Bravo! Bravo!
Posted by: Rick Saffery | October 9, 2009, 3:34 pm 3:34 pm
Can’t we all just get along?
Posted by: Jennifer | October 9, 2009, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm
It really a sad state of affairs, here in the United States, that there are so many miserable, and angry Americans. The Republican Party, its followers. Me Being a 47 year young African American democrat am gloating about our president.
For all you other people. Continue being miserable.
Congratulations Mr. President. The first Lady and Your family, should be very proud of you. as all good African Americans are. Thank you.
Posted by: Jason Reese | October 9, 2009, 4:06 pm 4:06 pm
Quite a contrast: And by the way, congratulations to President Obama. for winning tne Nobel Peace Prize,
On the day a”War Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide in Iraq” suit has been filed in Madrid by the Spanish Senate agaomst George H. W, Bush, William J. Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack H. Obama, (who by the way ironically voted against war against Iraq) Margaret Thacker, John Major, Anthony Blair, and Gordon Brown.
The suit spelled our on Information |Clearing House 10/8/2009, states “Yesterday, ahead of the change of law, a legal case was filed at the Audiencia Nacional against four United States presidents and four United Kingdom prime ministers for commissioning, condoning and/or perpetuating multiple war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Iraq.”
The poor Republican party ran the United States into bankruptcy, started two illegal wars, and are trying desperately to finish destroying the United States by spewing venom on everything the president tries to accomplish–even his trying to get students to stay in school, work hard, and study.
Of course this war crimes suit isn’t the only one. Tokyo had one against George W. Bush in 2004.
Not surprising, I have seen nothing about this suit on the main media, and they wonder why newspapers are going under!!!
Posted by: elmccollum | October 9, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
It is so disappointing that President Obama cannot be congratulated for winning the Nobel by all Americans. The party of No is saying that he has not accomplished anything and has only been in office nine months, but are they not the ones who blame him for not solving all the problems he inherited. Isn’t nine months, nine months either way. On one hand, its too soon to win the prize, but not too soon to have solved all the problems. Some Americans just cannot help but to be haters, especially when it is a Black American who is cited by the world. Remmmber, some said the same thing when M.L. KIng won the prize. Black people have been in this country longer than many of the haters and deserve whatever praise received.
For me, congratulations President Obama and I wish you the best in leading this country and influencing the world for peace.
Posted by: V.Sims | October 9, 2009, 4:18 pm 4:18 pm
This reduces the Nobel prize to the status of another shoe thrown at Bush.
Posted by: jack | October 9, 2009, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
“It took an African American with whom the Republican Party tolerates because they have to and not want to to say in your face.” – BRECHOLLE
I REALLY WISH THAT PEOPLE WOULD DROP THE HYPHENATED NAMES. EITHER YOU ARE AN AMERICAN OR YOU ARE NOT.
And this Nobel Peace Prize is really anon issue. But Obama is in no way on the same level as MLK. And quit refering to Bush. He is out and Obama is in. Get a grip people
Posted by: mj | October 9, 2009, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm
BHO, you go boy! Sorry they are placing more burden on your shoulders but you are and will prove them wrong.
Let the GOP hatefull people implode in their owm mess and venum!
Posted by: Otto | October 9, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
OMG, who cares if he is black or white. You all are being put to sleep by the piper! We will see how you all feel black or white when we lose a US city because we want to kiss and make up. God Dems, get a life. Or should I say God help us.
Posted by: noway | October 9, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
Perhaps “JJ” who wonders if our President is the anti-christ should take a good look in the mirror. There he might actually see what the anti-christ looks like if there is such.
Congratulations, Mr. President from a proud American.
Posted by: Sy | October 9, 2009, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm
OK, the following quote from V. Simms
is REALLY offensive- it is illegitimate to criticize the Nobel Committee because
Obama is black???? The Nobel Committee itself said Obama did not do anything yet but they “agree with his views” and that the award is mostly about the fact that he is not Bush. Republicans are not blaming Obama but they are critiquing the Nobel committee for blatant political use of the Prize. It demeans the prize and it also an attempt to put Obama in a political box.
This prize is all about George W. Bush,
not Obama.
But according to you, to be critical of the Nobel Committe is to be a “hater”??
Get real.
“It is so disappointing that President Obama cannot be congratulated for winning the Nobel by all Americans. The party of No is saying that he has not accomplished anything and has only been in office nine months, but are they not the ones who blame him for not solving all the problems he inherited. Isn’t nine months, nine months either way. On one hand, its too soon to win the prize, but not too soon to have solved all the problems. Some Americans just cannot help but to be haters, especially when it is a Black American who is cited by the world. “
Posted by: Bob | October 9, 2009, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm
I think the people who really deserve the Nobel Peace Prize are the soldiers from all countries who are serving in Afghanistan defending the people from the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Posted by: Bob | October 9, 2009, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
“Some Americans just cannot help but to be haters, especially when it is a Black American who is cited by the world.” – Bob
Huuuummmmmm . . . . .
I’m not so sure the world considers NoBo a Black Man. He is more White than Black.
Maybe we should start calling him a Whack Man and get rid of this stupid race stuff.
Posted by: Noz | October 9, 2009, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
Of course the righties would react badly – the world community just stuck a branch in their eye. This is not only a recognition of Pres. Obama’s leadership and philosophy, but also a worldwide repudiation of the bush admin and republican ideology. It’s also the welcoming of a new era in foreign relations and the rebirth of the United States in the world community. I’m pleased and proud of our President and our country. I’m not proud at all of the juvenile jealous reaction from the right – the world is watching – and laughing at them as many of us do here in the US. They’re pathetic.
Posted by: Jilli | October 9, 2009, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
This a is just so much political baloney. In office less than 9 months is too short a time to give such an award.
Better the awards be given after 4 years of service. Who knows what will happen in the next 4 years. Just another political scam, probably to appease Obama for the loss of the Olympics.
Cynical, you betcha.
Posted by: kahuna606 | October 9, 2009, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm
The nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize are due February 1. This was 11 days into the Obama Presidency. I truly and sincerely hope President Obama fulfills his promises and achieves much success, but the Nobel Peace Prize recognizes achievements, not potential. It also condemns the President to enormous criticism and undue pressure. Today’s news is no win and no favor for our President. It is meant well but enormously misguided, and will make his job all the more difficult. As some commentators have suggested, he would do well to graciously decline the Prize. It would quiet the critics and be the right and fair thing to do.
Posted by: Gayle | October 9, 2009, 6:30 pm 6:30 pm
Whenever a new leader has replaced a threat to world peace and shown his/her country is no longer a “rogue nation”, it’s been almost automatic that they get nominated for the Peace Prize: Begin, Sadat, and Gorbachev are examples. And people cried “foul!” when Aquino didn’t get it after replacing Marcos.
So, regardless of what you may think of Bush, the fact is that the world -including our closest allies- viewed him as a major destabilizing force in the world. He tore up nuclear agreements with Russia, he declared the USA would not abide by the World Court, he sabotaged Global Warming meetings, he liked to say “bring it on” and then hide behind his mother’s (the military’s) apron strings rather than negotiate with an opponent. His Administration’s forcing its agencies to NOT enforce existing regulations contributed to a worldwide recession.
Sp, for the asking what has Obama done, the answer is right in front of you: he replaced Bush, and that’s a really big deal to the rest of the free world.
Posted by: The_Mick | October 9, 2009, 6:34 pm 6:34 pm
Most of the idiots are objecting because “Who” was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize…… he was awarded based on his desire to world with World Leaders and not be a Bully. And now, you acting as if you even know What the Nobel Committee said why they award the Prize. This is Their Award, that they felt he was Worthy of…. and who are you to say differently. I remember when certain factions of this country said the same thing about M.L.K……calling Him a Communist.
Posted by: sara | October 9, 2009, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm
Congratulations to President Obama, an honor well deserved. He has accomplished much in the area of diplomacy on the World stage. I always have said that a person is what she or he is too others regardless of what one thinks he/she is too himself. President Obama is a man of the world in these troubling times. It is human nature for one to try to put down others. Hopefully that is not found in me. “You are what you are” says Pop Eye and I. At first though, one might think that all Americans would be proud of their own winning the prize but on second thought, one must realize that there are a lots of people liken too Rush Limbaugh in this great country-The good oh USA.
Posted by: Johnnie M. Ashley | October 9, 2009, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
This is a great day for America!! The world sees hope for peace and AMerica will lead the way!!! The world recognizes that President Obama can bring the leaders of the world together to push for peace. The Nobel is awarded based upon effort not achievements. the seeds you sow today will produce fruit in the future. As the bible says ‘blessed are the peacemakers’.
Posted by: don giles | October 9, 2009, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm
Do you think Nobel will want its prize back if Obama sends in more troops? ddg *************************
The answer is no. With this type sour grape attitude
independent voters are staying put in the democratic
shift.
Posted by: spacerook1 | October 9, 2009, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm
I know that the republicans hate everything about the U S today, and hate the fact that something with the word “peace” in it is awarded to the leader of the U S, but isn’t it nice to try to offset that warmonger, cowboy image that Bush has fostered as the “face of the U S”?
Posted by: Debbie | October 9, 2009, 10:21 pm 10:21 pm
…an irrelevant “award” given to an increasingly irrelevant man.
Posted by: Independent | October 9, 2009, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
Unless the theories that this is some indirect way to influence President Obama’s decisions on Iran, Korea, and Afghanistan, maybe they should officially rename this award the Nobel Most Likely To Prize. It’s good enough for high school yearbooks when voters are guessing what someone might accomplish rather than knowing what the person actually has accomplished.
Posted by: Publius | October 10, 2009, 1:40 am 1:40 am
You should be honored that your president has won such a great and difficult award obtain. Many of you are unpatriotic.
Posted by: Mr C. | October 10, 2009, 2:05 am 2:05 am
Noone cares that BHO is Black, Again, noone gives a crap that the president is black. That isnt the issue, If anyone thinks this is a BLACK president issue, you are yourself racist. The case is there are individuals now and throughout history who have rightfully earned the NPP and have and have not received it for their accomplishments. OBH has not accomplished any feats as of yet, he is staying the course that GWB had initiated. The rest is talk talk talk. Well know the truth at the end of his term(s) when the war is over, escalating or diminishing. And if peace prevails, should it be OBH who is praised or better the abused catalyst who took physical initiative GWB?
Posted by: Mitch | October 10, 2009, 2:08 am 2:08 am
Comedian Bill Maher astutely commented a few months ago that the religious right Republicans are “in the mental hospital”. Maybe he wasn’t joking?
Posted by: Tensai | October 10, 2009, 11:12 am 11:12 am
“It took an African American with whom the Republican Party tolerates because they have to and not want to to say in your face.” – BRECHOLLE
I REALLY WISH THAT PEOPLE WOULD DROP THE HYPHENATED NAMES. EITHER YOU ARE AN AMERICAN OR YOU ARE NOT.
And this Nobel Peace Prize is really anon issue. But Obama is in no way on the same level as MLK. And quit refering to Bush. He is out and Obama is in. Get a grip people
Posted by: WPclassifieds.net | October 10, 2009, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
Will Nobel want its prize back if Obama sends in more troops?
This is a legitimate question. Nobel people are the ones with the sour grapes. This prize was not about Obama. It’s more about Bush. The White House is playing this down – not from false modesty – because Obama and WH staff are not known for that. They are playing it down because that’s the only
thing they could do.
Talk to Saturday Night Live people.
You dems loved it when they were putting down the republicans.
Did you see the latest skit about Obama?
“What did I accomplish” skit?
Google it; you’ll love it, spacerook l
etal.
Congratulations to Pres. Obama.
Winning this Nobel prize SO soon really was not a favor. This is why the WH and Obama are playing it down.
Obama actually has to deliver – like peace or something resembling it. I do indeed wish him luck.
Most people want peace; who doesn’t?
It’s not about wanting peace. If that was the case, then we would all win a Nobel.
Obama has to be careful about Nobel’s obvious manipulation attempt.
That’s all I’m really saying, spacerookl, but, of course, you could not realize that.
Posted by: ddg | October 10, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
No, Prez Obama vision is different from Martin Luther King, Jr…….Prez Obama’s vision for peace and living together as Humans on God’s Earth is Global……King’s vision was of his Own Nation, and It is Clear that KING’S Nobel was awarded PREMATURELY TOO….
Posted by: sara | October 10, 2009, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm
…….and the Nobel Committee is not “Controlled” by anyone. Sorry, America’s Insurance Industry.
Posted by: sara | October 10, 2009, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
It’s pure manipulation on the part of Nobel committee.
Posted by: ddg | October 10, 2009, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm
You are right! He was awarded the prize for things he hasn’t done: Did not start 2 wars, did not let bankers put the country in a financial meltdown, not imprisoned people off the US soil in order to deny them any rights under the Geneva convention, not authorize wiretapping citizens phones without a court order, not giving the rich a tax cut while the deficits were piling on, not upsetting long time allies, not undermining the UN while asking it to enforce resolutions they chose to approve, etc. Yup! He hasn’t done any of this and he deserves the prize for it.
Posted by: treblig56 | October 10, 2009, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
You’re right, treblig56. Of course, he didn’t start the war. That would have been the terrorists who killed over 3,000 people on U.S. soil on Sept. llth.
Now Obama has a chance to do something to help end this war. Does he? There our soldiers sit in harms’ way. They were sitting ducks in Nuristan, near the border of Pakistan. The generals knew it; Obama knew it. The soldiers were ambushed. The Russians knew that Nuristan was a fishbowl; they found out the hard way. The United States already knew this, but we sent in those kids anyway.
As President, Obama could have said something.
What does Obama focus on: Gitmo.
That’s fine; it needed to be done.
I just wished Obama focused on our kids at Nuristan before the massacre happened.
Wiretapping: Actually, the ACLU is (or was) hopping mad because Obama now defends most of Bush’s wiretapping policy. (this was the case the last time I looked; it could have changed again.)
You did miss the point, treblig, that I was attempting to make.
I know that being President is the hardest job, and I thank God that there are people who can do the job and who would actually want the job.
It looks to me that the Nobel committee is trying to manipulate our President into doing what they want.
Pres. Obama should focus on the facts, and not be influenced by some award given. I’m sure he will not let this influence him one way or another, but I am concerned about Nobel’s manipulation attempt.
Re: financial meltdown
That would have fallen on the senate’s shoulders – for failure to regulate banks and practices, i.e. ACORN.
Yes, ACORN, again. You know, the same ACORN that Obama was closely associated with.
Obama was a senator who (along with all of the other senators) failed us all.
The senators (on both sides of the aisle) failed to place some regulations on these institutions because they were too busy taking huge contributions.
(I did say BOTH sides of the aisle, so don’t get too upset.)
I do wish Pres. Obama success. I just hope he can weigh in on his options, but also do it in a timely manner.
He needs to act like he’s on Jeopardy – not trimming a bonsai tree.
Posted by: ddg | October 11, 2009, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm