Comments on: On Winning a Nobel Peace Prize

By: adetsch

adetsch — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:06:54 +0000

In nine months as Commander-in-Chief, Obama has done much to advance American multilateralism and diplomacy. As Michael said above, Obama has been universally exalted around the world by everyone from Moammar Qaddafi to Gordon Brown. That’s not only because he isn’t George W. Bush, but because he has already established himself as an international leader with appearances at G-20 summits and the UN, cooling tensions with calm and steady control, and setting a clear agenda to advance peace, security and economic stability around the Globe.

Still, it seems a bit inappropriate to be awarding President Obama the Nobel Peace Prize, especially at this specific point in history. As Matt and Michael vaguely hinted, this great promise could be masked by the mounting conflict in Afghanistan. Obama must soon decide how to move forward in the counter-insurgency effort. None of the options available are easy, and any one of them could invariably lead to a Vietnam-sized quagmire. It has already been a bloody summer, and it may only get worse.

By: Michael Garber

Michael Garber — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:44:55 +0000

I am somewhere between Matt and Dan on this one. Although I think it was very premature of the Nobel committee to give the President the prize now, before achieving many of his goals, it shows the high level of respect that the international community has for him.

I also agree with your assessment - sadly, and I hate to say this, the Taliban may have more constructive criticism of President Obama’s choice as Nobel Peace Prize recipient than the GOP. That shows the sad state of affairs the opposition is in…

By: Sean Rourke

Sean Rourke — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:02:40 +0000

I agree with you, Matt. While Obama may not have been the most accomplished candidate, he has the most power to affect progress towards nuclear disarmament, peace in the Middle East, and a generally more cooperative and peaceful world. He has indicated his dedication to these philosophies and goals, and the Nobel Committee awarded him this prize as a way to support his goals and also to make sure he keeps his promises.

Americans should be proud of their country and their president.

By: Matt Ingoglia

Matt Ingoglia — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:41:30 +0000

Jeff,

I agree with your last assessment, and it is my hope that today’s decision will help inform Obama’s subsequent actions and convince him to conduct himself in a matter fitting for a Nobel laureate. My delight comes not only as a result of national pride, but also the unbridled partisan enjoyment of watching the other side descend into reactionary anti-American blather.

There is an eloquent way to oppose the Nobel committee’s choice, and Dan Rozenson has done so in his response post. The Republicans took a different route instead…

“I did not realize the Nobel Peace Prize had an affirmative action quota for it, but that is the only thing I can think of for this news,” - Conservative Blogger Erick Erickson

Contrast that with the Taliban’s official statement…

“We have seen no change in his strategy for peace. He has done nothing for peace in Afghanistan.”- Official Taliban Statement

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Taliban’s criticisms might actually be more legitimate.

By: The GW Blue Line » Blog Archive » A Democratic Dissent on the Peace Prize

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:49:07 +0000

[...] « On Winning a Nobel Peace Prize [...]

By: Jeff Bishop

Jeff Bishop — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:37:16 +0000

Isn’t it telling that all the Peace Prize laureates have been Democrats? Wilson…Carter…Al Gore…now Obama. I guess the Republicans don’t score highly in the peace-making business.

Unfortunately, I’m not sure if I share your uninhibited delight in the news. While Barack Obama has given millions of us hope about the chance for peace, we have yet to see concrete results. This award could serve to undermine the value of the prize itself but, even more frightening, it could undermine the Obama Presidency.

Since the Prize has been awarded so shortly after Obama’s ascension to the Office, the award almost seems like a joke - a gift to the Republicans. I’m sick of hearing Republican jeers of Obama’s “International Celebrity” status, and today’s news will likely add more fuel to the fire, further uniting the Republican party against their common enemy.

This being said, this award certainly does not come totally out of left field. Since his election to the Presidency, Obama has indefatigably denounced our nation’s jingoistic attitude, calling for diplomacy as the cornerstone of our international relations. This has permeated the climate of fear put in place by the Bush Administration, and has shown signs of improving relations with Russia and the Middle East.

So Democrats should rally behind their leader. Obama’s commitment to international peace does seem to be flourishing with promise for the future. However, I guess I have this notion that the Nobel Prize should be awarded for years of tireless effort to a peaceful cause that shows fruitful results - not for months of what may come. I trust Obama will use this prize not to lull him into complacency, but to provide an impetus for further action.