I like the theory that the Nobel Committee awarded it to him because they felt bad about Chicago’s not getting the 2016 Olympics.
At first it didn’t register because I thought I heard the tail end of one news story and the start of another. When I heard it again I kept waiting for the reason. It was vaguely given as having a vision of a nuclear free world. It comes across as one of those trophies they give to every kid who tried out for sports. It’s condesending.
Looking at the process of nomination it starts in September with nomination Invitations that go out to various organizations and past winners. These have to be in by February 1st so President Obama was proposed as a candidate after only being in office for 12 days. Most of the nomination window would have been when he was a Senator. the short list is made during the months of February and March so thats 2 months in office to get on that list. From the short list they deliberate through August.
To me that is the most stunning part. Somebody, 12 days into Obama’s Presidency, said, “I think that this guy should be nominated”.
I voted for Obama. I have had many disagreements with Obama, but I think that all in all, he’s doing a good job. But this is laughable.
It’s fair to say I don’t understand the committee’s rationale.
And I am impressed with the membership’s general agreement thus far. No one seems to be arguing the award is justified, although there’s at least one vote for “It’s great, because it’s a slap in the face ot Bush.”
They’re more than welcome to award him a prize but give it to him AFTER he’s saved the world and preferably out of office. They just awarded the American taxpayer a bill for $700,000 to fly him out so he can get a check for $1.4 million. That would make a lovely gold watch for anybody after they retire. Maybe they can agree to a teleconference to save all that co2.
Affirmative action runs riot again. At least Jimmy Carter had Habitat for Humanity to point to. Obama doesn’t even have ACORN.
This is like what decorations from the King of England used to be - given because you are someone, not because you did something.
What a joke.
Regards,
Shodan
I’m tempted to just link to the “Messiah” thread. 
I voted for Obama. I think he’s done a good job so far with all the crap he inherited. The Noble Peace Prize? No freakin’ way!
It’s a farce and a slap in the face of those who actually earned this status. A humble man would probably decline, too bad I don’t see much of that trait in this case…
Meh, I too thought this thread was about some silly hypothetical situation, until I turned to the news and went :eek:
. Those Norwegians should really consider awarding the peace prize based on actual accomplished results instead of some dubious “hope” he apparently has instilled. I don’t have anything in particular against Obama, but this was really undeserved, and only serves to dilute the value of the award, which really needs a long string of worthy recipients to regain proper respect.
Offer Hope.
Who was he competing against?
Offer Hope.
On edit:** Henrichek**, you may be vastly underestimating just how much the world needs and craves hope after the last eight years. They could have given him the prize in his first 10 days. His accomplishment is who he is and what he represents to the rest of the world.
Oooops… looks like I double-posted. Sorry about that
I suppose the idea might be - given he’d done nothing at that point - that the award went to the electorate for turning away from the preceding lunacy.
Slightly offbeat thought but what the hell else makes sense . . .
Much as I admire him, this is too soon; he hasn’t earned it yet. It will be seen by all too many as just a slap at Dubya, and will also complicate military decision-making on Afghanistan and Iran policy. Obama should promptly but respectfully decline it, IMHO.
Agree 100%
I agree. Make some humble speech about how he’s not yet worthy, judge him when he has more of a track record, etc. No doubt most of the Right will find something objectionable about that, but it will make him look better in everyone else’s eyes I think.
You’re serious aren’t you?
That’s an absurd reason to award the prize.
Rest of the world?!!?!
He represents another human being become President of the USA. Nothing more, nothing less. This is starry eyed tripe.
The decision is complete idiocy on the part of the Committee.
I can think of one thing that could justify this decision- that in conducting an honorable & victorious campaign of the U.S. Presidency, he successfully overcame America’s heritage of racial tension. That is not an insignificant thing, though I really don’t think it justifies the Nobel. Then again, a lot of Nobels probably aren’t that justified. Has anyone here ever actually read a book that won the Nobel for literature? The science awards probably would stand more scrutiny though.
Another human being who is neither Bush nor a Republican; that DOES do the rest of the world good. Not Nobel Peace Prize level good, but certainly enough to make the world more hopeful for the future. As long as America is both so powerful and so determined to screw with the rest of the world, who is President will matter to the world.
I am somewhat surprised and very pleased to see that Dopers see the stupidity of this decision. It’s good to find an oasis of clear thinking in the desert of hype that will undoubtedly appear. I did not vote for Obama, and am not a big fan of his, but had hopes that he would bring the troops home and reorient the US attitude towards military campaigns abroad. But of course, he hasn’t, (meet the new boss, same as the old boss) and the very things that Bush got slammed on - rightfully so - Obama has continued. And he deserves a Nobel? It’s a mockery and a sham.