President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize today, Fri. 9 Oct. 2009.
The President was honoured in a win that stunned many of the Prize’s regular observers. Barack Obama was informed of his 2009 Nobel Peace Prize win upon waking, early this morning. The news was so unexpected that his office has yet to make an official comment.
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to encourage his nascent initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and replace unilateral American action with international diplomacy and cooperation.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee lauded the change in global mood wrought by Obama’s calls for peace and cooperation but recognized initiatives that have yet to bear fruit: reducing the world stock of nuclear arms, easing American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthening the U.S. role in combating climate change.
“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,” said Thorbjoern Jagland, chairman of the Nobel Committee. (via Huffington Post)
Image credit to ROC/Fame Pictures. Story The Huffington Post & Global Grind.
[UPDATE: President Obama has, later in the day, made a comment on the win]
President Barack Obama was alerted to his Nobel win at around 6am this morning. He told waiting reporters that he was surpised and humbled by his win.
“Well, this is not how I expected to wake up this morning. I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee.” He said.
As one of just three Presidents presented with the award (the other two are Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson), Obama accepted the prize by saying, “I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century.” He added, “Let me be clear, I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations.” (via Socialite Life)
The lovely and talented Barry H.O. was President for all of “12 DAYS” before he was nominated. This is embarassing for all involved, but especially the Nobel organization. HE HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING. AT ALL. Much less be deserving of this award.
From what I gather the award was to encourage behaviour and not the usual, which is a reward for years of hard work already completed. I fear, you have a very good point.