Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

[Lorizael]

Obama's speech:

I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee. 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.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that this prize reflects the kind of world that those men and women, and all Americans, want to build -- a world that gives life to the promise of our founding documents. And I know that throughout history, the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes. And that is why I will accept this award as a call to action -- a call for all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st century.

Very impressive. He managed to thread the needle between rejecting the prize and being an arrogant ass. He just disarmed any legitimate criticism he could get for accepting the prize.

Man, that Obama guy is just so great.

[Japher]

You either love him, or you're a racist.

[rah]

No matter what he says, it does not disarm criticism, but not a bad speech. We all know that giving speeches isn't his shortcoming. Concrete actions are much different. Since he hasn't finished delivering on a lot of his campaign promises, I'll need something more before I believe anything else he promises.

[Lorizael]

I just listened to the speech, and he actually sounds kind of embarrassed when talking about having won the award. He gets more confident as he goes on.

[DinoDoc]

I just hope that there is a valid reason to in 8 years, and don't see why they couldn't wait (unless there isn't anyone more deserving this time).

Hu Jia and/or Wei Jingsheng would have been my choices.

[rah]

It was a tough position to be in. Even he knew he hadn't really done anything to deserve it.
But he's always been a class act.

[Theben]

Man, when can I expect to get the nobel prize?

If there's ever a Nobel prize for spreading homophobia and/or making up ****, you're the 1st person I'd nominate.

[Theben]

FWIW, this will likely cause more headaches for Obama than anything. Still, it will look good on his mantelpiece someday.

[rah]

What's the monetary award that accompanies it? Or is that just for the real categories?

[Japher]

$1 million I thought

edit: I have no idea

(+1)

[KrazyHorse]

1.4 mil USD

[Richelieu]

Well, while I do think that others undoubtably are more deserving you can't ignore the fact that the world is very relieved that the strongest nation on earth finally sends out a message of hope again instead of the usual fear mongering.

[Winston]

If the word "ridiculous" didn't exist, it would have to be invented for an occasion like this.

It's a pretty good representation of how the European liberal mindset works though.

Makes me want to boycott something, but I'm not sure what it should be.

[DaShi]

So far the response I've seen (from Rush and Beck, mainly) is firmly in line with Imran's.

In short,

It's sad that you follow them.

[Drake Tungsten]

Makes me want to boycott something, but I'm not sure what it should be.

Europe?