Obama's Peace Prize win prompts varied reactions
“It’s about four years too early, don’t you think?” said Matt Toles, 35, of Ann Arbor, while drinking his morning coffee and surfing newspaper Web sites. “I mean, I think he’s got the country headed in the right direction, but shouldn’t he have gotten us out of Iraq and Afghanistan first?”
But Linda Flack, 21, of Ann Arbor, said the choice of Obama was a good one. “He’s the first black President. He’s so much better engaged in the world than (George W. Bush). Those are really good reasons to give him the prize,” said Linda Flack, 21, of Ann Arbor. “I think this is a really cool signal that we’re headed in the right direction as a country. “
But Lisa Pepper, 25, of Ypsilanti, was more skeptical.
“I think it’s just going to make those people who already hate him hate him more. That’s too bad, because he’s doing a lot of good things. But I totally understand those people who think he doesn’t deserve it yet. I think I’m kind of leaning that way myself.”
Her coffee companion, Tim Maskill, 26, of Ypsilanti Township, agreed.
“I voted for him and thought it was the best decision the country has made in a long time when they elected him. But, I just don’t know about this. I really think he’s going to do a lot to bring peace to the world and I’m really excited to see that. I’d like to know more about who nominated him, what he was nominated for and why he won. It seems a little bit weird to me that he won when he hasn’t been in office for a full year yet.”
Across the nation and around the world many had similar reactions.
Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele issued a statement saying, "The real question Americans are asking is, What has President Obama actually accomplished?"
Steele, who took over the reins of the party earlier this year, said he thought it was "unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights."
But former President Jimmy Carter said the prize is a "bold statement of international support for his vision and commitment." Carter won the peace prize himself in 2002, two decades after leaving office. In a statement, he described the Nobel committee's decision Friday as support for Obama's work toward peace and harmony in international relations.
Former Polish President President Lech Walesa, who received the Peace Prize in 1983, was among those who said the prize comes before Obama has proved himself on the world stage: "So soon? Too early. He has no contribution so far. He is still at an early stage. He is only beginning to act. This is probably an encouragement for him to act. Let's see if he perseveres."
Former Peace Prize winner Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna praised Obama's selection: "In less than a year in office, he has transformed the way we look at ourselves and the world we live in and rekindled hope for a world at peace with itself," ElBaradei said. "He has shown an unshakeable commitment to diplomacy, mutual respect and dialogue as the best means of resolving conflicts."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who won the prize in 1984, said the choice is a forward-looking one. "It's an award coming near the beginning of the first term of office of a relatively young president that anticipates an even greater contribution towards making our world a safer place for all," Tutu said. "It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope."
The Rev. Jesse Jackson told Chicago's WLS Radio that Obama deserves congratulations for his efforts in choosing diplomacy over aggressive rhetoric. Jackson praised Obama for working to break down the barriers that have stood between the United States and peace for so long.
Eugene Rogan, director of the Middle East Center at Oxford University in England, called the award premature. "He hasn't done anything yet. But he's made clear from the start of his presidency his commitment to promote peace. No doubt the Nobel committee hopes the award will enhance his moral authority to advance the cause of peace while he's still president."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Comments
Wolverine3660
Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 3:25 p.m.
Too many Ann Arborites have drunk the Obama Kool-Aid,and thus are unable to deal with reality. I have to move to Texas as soon as I finish grad school
Broadway
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 5:25 a.m.
Heard the best comment about the huge scream-out yesterday in the halls at Eastern: " Whoever heard of anyone getting yelled at for winning the Peace Prize and bringing a measure of good attention to his country?" He is intelligent and articulate and I fear our country has been too long on Reality TV. We can't deal with brains anymore. Broadway
janawritesalot
Sun, Oct 11, 2009 : 9:56 a.m.
This is far from uncommon. The committee has been known to select candidates "in faith" to grant momentum to movements they deem overwhelmingly worthy. It's part of the reason the award has received less and less attention over the years. The only reason it's a big deal now is because he is such a media frenzied figure. No, he hasn't completed his plans yet, but those on the committee are clearly hoping above all hope that the global nuclear disarmament he's working towards is a success. He isn't the most deserving in terms of current accomplishments, but they have their reasons. Now the question shouldn't be "did he deserve it?" because that is over and done with. The question should be "What is he going to do with the added momentum and influence?" or "What can we do ourselves?" I'm a little surprised that this has turned into an Obama bashing, although I guess that was naive. He was just as surprised as everyone else. At least he's giving the award money to charity. It will be interesting to see how long the media gives this attention and how long the respective tv stations complain and bicker with one another... not exactly the best attitude to take over a peace prize.
The Grinch
Sat, Oct 10, 2009 : 10:42 a.m.
Yeah, Otto, God knows that no Black man could ever do anything on their own--no, they all need affirmative action. And I just can't imagine why anyone would think that much of the opposition of and anger towards the president is motivated by racism (he says sarcastically)
David Briegel
Sat, Oct 10, 2009 : 7:33 a.m.
Otto, you mean the type of affirmative action that allows semi-literate offspring of rich white guys to get through Harvard, Yale, and all the way to the Presidency or the type that allows you to finish last at the Naval Academy and become a Senator? That is the Republican approved affirmative action! Imagine if more worthy people had not been denied those opportunities. More Obamas would be a good thing!
Otto Mobeal
Sat, Oct 10, 2009 : 6:58 a.m.
I like the guy, and he might prove to be a great leader, but this smacks of good old American Affirmative Action.
mtlaurel
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 3:46 p.m.
They shoulda, woulda, coulda, picked....blah blah blah....so it's more a pick of symbolic nature. Obama is a symbol of people working together-now y'all -ARE YOU going to work together or just sit around and complain? I like this pick-it's about galvanizing and the world just needs it.
Tom
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 3:41 p.m.
Truly a great day!!! Obama is on the right side of history: Whether it is standing up to Fox News (something republicans can't do) or fighting to bring our health care system into the 21 century or once again bringing America back into the World Community, by supporting common sense policies, Obama is doing the right thing against a very strong current of ignorance and evil. The committee selected Obama not only to recognize his great accomplishments to date, but also to help him win the battles he is currently fighting. Truly a great day!!!!
A2Writer
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 3:07 p.m.
Hmmm...wonder what our community - and perhaps our country, for that matter - would look like if all of those folks expressing such outrage/shock/righteous indignation about today's award chose to instead channel that energy into doing something positive, within their own personal sphere of influence, to further the spread of peace and social justice? What could we be then?
TFF3
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 2:06 p.m.
"We do not yet have a peace in the Middle East" Mr. Tutu is clearly not a scholar of history. There hasn't been peace in the Middle East for thousands of years. The root problems there run SO deep and are SO blind that we will never fix them. You have different cultures of people who have been raised for thousands of years to hate each other. Fighting is all they know. Anybody who thinks "peace" is possible is ignorant. We should promote it, but we will NEVER eliminate it. Violence is programmed into the very nature of life, across ALL species.
Rizzle
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 1:18 p.m.
no one here is saying the GWB deserved a Nobel prize, we are not even making comparisons. We are saying BO doesn't deserve one. The fact that one is relatively "better" than the other with respect to peace issues doesn't mean he is the best in the world. It's not like the girl who is a 7 sitting next to a 2 now looks like a 10. She's still a 7.
John Galt
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 1:12 p.m.
No surprise that a leftist committee awards their hero. Past winners: Arafat, Gore, Carter....The Cult of Personality stickes again.
uawisok
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 1:08 p.m.
Compared to the wild west shoot first ask questions later maverick go it alone seige mentality of the past 2 Bush administrations, this is a vote of HOPE that the past 8 years was a bad dream and we are going to re double our efforts with international community in dialogue and diplomicy...Kudos to the Nobel Committee and President Obama!!
David Cahill
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 12:57 p.m.
Here is Time Magazine's collection of comments on President Obama winning the Peace Prize. I must say that if those who oppose this award are Hamas and the Taliban, Obama must be doing something right! Nelson Mandela Foundation "We trust that this award will strengthen his commitment, as the leader of the most powerful nation in the world, to continue promoting peace and the eradication of poverty." Kofi Annan "It was an unexpected but inspired choice. In an increasingly challenging and volatile world, President Obama has given a sense of hope and optimism to millions around the world." Marrti Ahtisaari, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2008 "We do not yet have a peace in the Middle East... this time it was very clear that they wanted to encourage Obama to move on these issues. This is a clear encouragement to do something on this issue; I wish him good luck." Archbishop Desmond Tutu "What wonderful recognition of someone who has already made such an impact on our planet with regards to the Muslim world, nuclear disarmament, climate change and, to some extent, the Middle East. He has reached out to the Arab world, including Iran, and North Korea. In a way, it's an award - coming near the beginning of the first term of office of a relatively young President - that anticipates an even greater contribution towards making our world a safer place for all. It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope." Rebiya Kadeer, the Uighur leader who's often been tipped for the prize "I am very happy that he got it. Now he has to do something with the award. It raises expectations on him to stand up for oppressed nations." Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman "He has done nothing for peace in Afghanistan... We condemn the award of the Nobel Peace Prize for Obama." Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency and 2005 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize "I cannot think of anyone today more deserving of this honour... President Obama has provided outstanding leadership on moving towards a world free of nuclear weapons." Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas official "Obama has a long way to go still and lots of work to do before he can deserve a reward. Obama only made promises and did not contribute any substance to world peace." Saeb Erekat, chief Palestinian peace negotiator "We hope that he will be able to achieve peace in the Middle East and achieve Israeli withdrawal to 1967 borders and establish an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital." Morgan Tsvangarai, Zimbabwe's prime minister, who was among those favoured for this year's prize "I wish to congratulate President Obama. I think he is a deserving candidate." Said Obama's uncle, who is in Kogelo, Kenya "It is humbling for us as a family and we share in Barack's honour... we congratulate him." Ali Abkar Javanfekr, media aide to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "We are not upset and we hope that by receiving this prize he will start taking practical steps to remove injustice in the world. If he removes the veto from the United Nations Security Council, then it shows the prize was given correctly to him." Shimon Peres, Israel's president "Under your leadership you have begun making peace a reality and making it a key issue on the agenda, which must be realized. From Jerusalem I express my confidence that the bells of understanding and dialogue between the nations will start ringing again." Jos Manuel Barroso, European Commission President "A tribute to President Obama's commitment to the values of peace and progress of humanity. This award is an encouragement for engagement by all those who can contribute to bring about a safer world."
aaww
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 12:28 p.m.
It's a good thing, but maybe a bit too early. I guess the Nobel Peace Prize Committee is being political here. But as for "ironic that a guy who is ramping up our war in Afghanistan is considered worthy of a peace prize" -- I would put it a different way: How ironic for this world having to fight wars to get peace. I don't think BO started the war, so I don't think he is to blame for ramping it up, yet.
TFF3
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 12:23 p.m.
Here is the criteria for winning the Prize: "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses" Has Obama done the "most" or the "best" of those three, compared to all other humans on earth over the last year? Absolutely not. He was not and is not qualified to win this award.
woodsyh
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 12:22 p.m.
I can't remember when my regard for something fell faster than it did when the Nobel peace prize was announced this morning. He'll probably win an Emmy and Oscar this year too.
81wolverine
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 11:49 a.m.
Considering Obama was in office only 12 days before the Feb. 1st deadline to apply for the prize, it's kind of baffling why he was picked for the award. Did they base the award on what he did prior to being elected? If so, I'm not sure what that was about. I disagree with Archbishop Tutu's statement about the award being "a forward-looking one". The award SHOULD be based on what someone has ALREADY accomplished. Mr. Walesa correctly said this is "too early". So, it seems obvious the criteria the Nobel Committee is using to pick winners has changed over the years. I personally prefer to see winners who have labored long and hard for peace, and accomplished something very significant.
Megarz
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 11:36 a.m.
I am also surprised at the pick, but I am far from appalled. I think people who are really upset are putting too much stock in this. Looking at the bigger picture, a statement like this clearly shows the world-wide support for our current president, and it should be somewhat of a relief to Americans that finally we are looked at with respect.
David Briegel
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 11:22 a.m.
Why don't we start with the basics. He doesn't chew his food with his mouth open. He doesn't speak with his mouth full of food. He has real Family Values and not pseudo-family values. He doesn't accost foreign heads of state in public. He can speak intelligently and understands the law. He doesn't have to have a Mexican Attorney General to justify rendition and torture. His steadfast and resolve does not include cutting and running. I could go on and on about why the Nobel Committee is awarding Obama as he attempts to repair the damage done and restore our once proud nation to it's rightful place as the leader of the free and civilized world. It is a huge task and we have selected a wonderful leader to lead us. Those of you who criticize should be thankful you aren't being treated like we were. I did not enjoy being called an America hatin', terrist luvin' defeatist because I disagreed with foolish policies. We just disagree! I have never, ever heard President Obama resort to that childish type of name calling and foolish characterizations of others. We should be proud of the Nobel Committee and proud of our President!
auntiemmmm
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 10:59 a.m.
To all of you who are agast that the President of our country won the Nobel Peace Prize-maybe this will get people on the stick to deal with all the problems facing the world and our country instead of bickering and delaying the inevitable. The revolution could be just starting. Finially
David Bardallis
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 10:50 a.m.
When I saw the headline this morning, I thought I was on The Onion's site... then I realized this wasn't a joke. Except, it is a joke. Just like the Nobel "Peace" Prize itself. (Past winners include Henry Kissinger -- do you need to know anything more?) It's politicians who start (and continue) wars, yet it's usually a politician who wins this goofy thing. Go figure.
Skeet
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 10:37 a.m.
I think he is the most visible representative of the fight to unite the world right now. Although the USA is involved with wars all over this planet, Obama's vision is to create a safer place for everyone, if you voted for him or not. Hatin' ain't gon' change the recipient of the award... wake up and smell the future.
Neo
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 10:17 a.m.
So, in only 11 days the committee was convinced that Barack should win the prize? Are they serious? I think they jumped the gun. What did he accomplish in just 11 days? I'm even more shocked by Linda Flack's comments Hes the first black President. Hes so much better engaged in the world than (George W. Bush). Those are really good reasons to give him the prize, Really? So skin color warrants a good reason for the Nobel Peace Prize? I'm dumbfounded. For those of you drinking the "justified war" Kool-Aid; "There never was a good war or a bad peace." Benjamin Franklin.
jeremy
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 10 a.m.
Apparantly, David, the Nobel Committee is like American Idol. They bought into all the talk and no action that he has been doing. I am someone that voted for him and he hasnt delivered anything he said he would. I view him now as a mouthpiece, or like some reality star.....He has really done anything other than talk alot. Talk is cheap and apparantly now so is the nobel prize
Old Salt
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 9:44 a.m.
Unbelievable
bunnyabbot
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 9:11 a.m.
I didn't realize it was april 1st! I would have eaten dinner for breakfast. the man has not done ANYTHING! this just makes that cartoon image of him riding on the back of a unicorn jumping over a rainbow singing change the change cha change change change change song so much more funny to think about. oh, what a chuckle
The Grinch
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 9:10 a.m.
People who are "completely against this" (as if this is some form of a popularity contest--the Nobel Committee is not "American Idol") have been watching Faux News too much.
Kate M
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 9:07 a.m.
I can't believe that the reporter of this story couldn't find more people who were shocked by this. All of the people who are "against" Obama's winning in this piece were 'powderpuff' arguments. "I am suprised!" What hard hitting reporting! This article is lame as far as showing both sides of the argument - based off of the other comments I am reading everywhere (FB, other news sources etc) there is a huge part of the population that is completely against this being award to Obama. But should I expect anything else from an Ann Arbor newspaper? No, I think not.
jeremy
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 8:49 a.m.
OK besides the ideaology of "hope" he brings, exactly what else has he really done to earn this???
The Grinch
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 8:49 a.m.
What a unique idea--giving the Nobel Peace Prize to someone who attempts diplomacy before dropping bombs, who is making an effort to be seen has an honest broker in the Israeli-Palestinian relationship, who is trying to reverse course in our deteriorating relationship with Russia, etc..... Can't imagine why Shrub didn't get one. TopCat: Unlike Iraq, we are fighting a war in A-stan that is a justifiable response to an unprovoked attack. Whether or not that war will be successful and whether or not the methods being discussed will work are open to question. But defending one's nation after it has been attacked should not (and, in this case, did not) disqualify someone from receiving the NPP.
Rizzle
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 8:39 a.m.
what kind of bizarro-world did I wake up in?
annarbortownie
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 8:28 a.m.
Congrats to our President! As for "ramping up our war in Afghanistan" we are there due to Bush. We did not need to go into Iraq. We should have focused on the terrorist and not individual countries. As far as I have read there is no decision on the Afghanistan conflict. President Obama is gathering FACTS and data and will base his action on that
Patrick Haggood
Fri, Oct 9, 2009 : 8:27 a.m.
Maybe the Nobel committee looked at the war and guessed that if they'd given one to Nixon we might not have blotted out the sun over Vietnam so often with waves of B-52's. Mot.