President Barack Obama Wins The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize
Congratulations goes out to President Barack Obama who has just been named the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize recipient at an announcement ceremony in Oslo, Norway by the Norwegian Nobel Committee Head Thorbjoern Jagland. Cited for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy, cooperation between peoples and vision for a world without nuclear weapons” in just the first few months of his presidency, President Obama becomes only the 3rd sitting president to win the Nobel Peace Prize (after Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson). Obama becomes the 4th president to win the Nobel Peace Prize overall (President Jimmy Carter won his award after he left office). Here are photos of Jagland making the award announcement in Oslo earlier today and President Obama making his acceptance comments at the White House just moments ago:
US President Barack Obama sensationally won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday just nine months into his term, prompting world leaders to urge him to use the accolade to step up efforts for global peace. The jury hailed Obama’s “extraordinary” efforts in international diplomacy and to hasten nuclear disarmament, but criticism surged quickly over how the award could be given so soon. The US leader, 48, said he was “humbled” by the distinction. “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,” the Nobel jury said in making the stunning announcement. A gasp went through the Nobel Institute in Oslo as Obama’s name was read out. The committee attached “special importance to Obama’s vision and work for a world without nuclear weapons” and said he had created “a new climate in international politics.” Obama took office on January 20 and has sought to restore US standing after widespread criticism over the war in Iraq and the world superpower’s attitude to efforts to control global warming. The first black American president has brought the Israeli and Palestinian leaders together for a meeting, approved new diplomatic engagement with Iran, Myanmar and North Korea and signalled a new willingness to attack growing environmental problems. Obama went to Cairo to make a major speech on relations with the Muslim world, badly tarnished by President George W. Bush’s order to invade Iraq. At the United Nations, he has launched an initiative to reduce the number of nuclear weapons. The US president was awoken at 6:00 am at the White House by his spokesman to be told of the award. An administration official quoted Obama as saying he felt “humbled”. Obama was honored “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples,” the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee Thorbjoern Jagland said, adding that it was “a unanimous decision.” The jury said: “Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations,” it said. “Thanks to Obama’s initiative, the US is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic changes the world is confronting.” The committee said it was seeking to encourage Obama’s ideals rather than recognise concrete results. Speaking to AFP, Jagland said: “It was unavoidable to give the prize to the man who has improved the international climate and emphasised negotiations and dialogue. Before he took office the situation was so dangerous. Step by step he has given the message to the world that he wants to negotiate on all conflicts, strengthen the United Nations and work for a world without any nuclear arms.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the award, calling it an “incentive to the president and to us all” to do more for peace.
This is quite an achievement and much congratulations goes out to our President today. Obama seems to instill a vision of hope that resonates beyond our US borders and was clearly recognized by the jury of the Nobel Prize. I fully expect this honor to inspire President Obama to do even more to work towards “strengthening international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples” not only for the duration of his time in office as president but for the rest of his life. Much, much congrats President Obama!!
UPDATE: President Obama has announced that he will donate the $1.4 million in prize money to charity. That’s classy, y’all!
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Tags: Barack Obama, Nobel Peace Prize, Thorbjoern Jagland
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:14 am
The Nobel Prize should only be given based in actual proven achievements, not good intentions. The fact of the matter is Obama has not achieved anything substantial these mere 8 months he has been elected President and his win is a major slap in the face to all those who have toiled for years and years of their lives for charity and humanitarian causes. If people could win based on what they ‘may achieve’ in the future, then Miss Universe should win every year for promoting world peace!!!!
If anything, I would have respected him way more if he graciously declined the prize and gave it to someone way more deserving so that he could work harder to ‘earn’ it back over time. I am so appalled that he accepted the prize knowing that he doesn’t even deserve to be in the company of the past winners (he even said this himself!). Such a let down.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Wonderful! I had never realized before that the award was not so much for actual achievement as for hope of possible future achievement!
Seriously, I have hopes for Pres. Obama, but we can’t keep treating him like he’s saved the world when he hasn’t actually done that. Why not let him push through some of his legislation, make some real changes in the world, and then congratulate him? Isn’t that how this award typically works?
October 9th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Every year I think ‘this is Bono’s year to win’…maybe next time. Since 1999, Bono has been involved in campaigning for third-world debt relief and raising awareness of the plight of Africa, including the AIDS pandemic. He also co-created (with Bobby Shriver) the Product Red initiative to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. He’s been nominated in years past (2003, 2005, 2006). I’d love to see him win it one of these years.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Did I miss something…WHAT EXACTLY HAS HE DONE?!
October 9th, 2009 at 9:26 am
People do realize that he can’t change every messed up thing in the States with a snap of his fingers, right? He is doing his best, and he has accomplished some things thus far that will help us in the future. Don’t forget, he has eight years of mess to clean up while trying to please everyone. But then pleasing everyone is something that will never be accomplished.
Congrats to him on getting the award :)
October 9th, 2009 at 9:30 am
@Ama
Of course we realize that, no one expects that.
What I’m saying, and apparently others hold the same opinion, is that the award is not one that is given to someone who “has accomplished some things this far that will help us in the future” (not sure what those are, by the way). But is given to someone who has ACTUALLY accomplished SOME major thing(s) that are PROVEN to make the world a better place.
There are many people who have done this, and for them to get looked over in favor of Pres. Obama is an insult to their hard work.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Didn’t Mikhail get it so soon after or right before he opened up the Soviet? He was given it for intentions as well. Obama has done enough to receive this award and he has such promise to show the skeptics that he is worthy of it. WOOT WOOT America and O!!
October 9th, 2009 at 9:35 am
@ Jill. Yeah ^^ I know that, sorry I didn’t add more onto my post. I wasn’t just talking about this certain subject(or this award which I should have mentioned), it seems most people I talk to about Obama seem to point out everything he HASN’T done since being elected. its like they all seem to think he is some super hero who will grant world peace, but don’t think about the fact that he has a mess to clean up from the last president.
But I agree with you, this award should have been given to someone who has already done something to earn it. Instead of what they may do, or have started to do.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Congrats Mr President!!!! While I agree that he hasn’t saved the world yet, he’s been busting ass every single day to improve international relations and resuce the world’s economy from utter collapse. So that’s pretty great.
* And I really don’t understand republicans these days… first they are HAPPY when America loses the Olympic bid, then they’re PISSED when our presidents wins a prestigious international award. What was that about “you’re either with us or you’re against us”? Who’s acting anti-American now??
October 9th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Not to get off-topic, but I was totally split on the Olympics. I wanted America to get it because I love this country, and the Olympics are an honor. At the same time, we’re in an economic depression. The massive, crippling debt that hosting the Olympics causes a city is not what Chicago needed. So, I can see where people would be happy to have avoided that. And maybe they really are happy for South America to finally have a shot.
Some people are obviously just happy we lost because it makes Obama look bad, but I think there are legit reasons for it as well.
(Hijack over!)
October 9th, 2009 at 9:48 am
He was nominated after 11 days in office…no one in their right mind can say he had accomplished anything in that time frame. They awarded him this prize based on things he intends to do, not things he has done. I have heard countless Obama supporters say they can’t even defend this. One would think hope could only take you so far…but since there has clearly been no change I guess not.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Sorry – I don’t get it. I know it means a lot that he was elected in the first place, but I don’t think he’s really done enough to deserve this. I my opinion, giving this prize to somebody on the basis of what they might do devalues it.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Best one-liners I have heard so far about this:
1. “The Nobel Peace Prize has just been reduced to a World’s Greatest Dad mug”
2. “Where is Kanye when you need him?”
Totally not choosing sides here, just thought these were hilarious! :)
October 9th, 2009 at 9:58 am
the prize should have gone to Oprah Winfrey. Why hasn’t Oprah won a nobel peace prize yet?????????
October 9th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Obama did a very selfish thing by accepting a reward that others clearly deserve. Once again, he is all beautiful words but no ACTION.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:04 am
@lauren I totally agree. My first response to hearing Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize was “For what?” But you know what, he’s our President and how can we really act like this isn’t a great thing for America?
October 9th, 2009 at 10:18 am
do any of these idiots read the papers? regardless of all the republican opposition, the new health care plan will without a doubt be passed soon. he formally closed gitmo. after his speech on nuclear disarmenment in prague, great britain’s PM decided to dismantle the british nuclear naval fleet, and iran has become more open to negotiations and inspections on their uranium plants. it is admirable that obama even took the risk of trying to eradicate WMDS, which are ridiculously unneccessary. obama has reached out, instead of vilifying, the islamic nations in the middle east. i dont think anyone else is more deserving of the nobel peace prize than barack obama.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:25 am
I think it is nice to see our country’s name once again associated with peace… and helping the environment…. and reducing nuclear weapons! I am proud of our President and what he is doing to change our world-wide perception and the tone of international conversations. Imagine countries negotiation and actually talking to each other… Can’t we all just put aside politics for a day and just be proud of our President and country? USA USA USA!
October 9th, 2009 at 10:27 am
The due date for nominations was 2 weeks after he was sworn in as president. Seriously?! How did he win? He hasn’t done anything…nothing at all….
October 9th, 2009 at 10:27 am
I voted for Obama and really hope that he does do great things, but at this point I think the award is premature. But I will take it as a sign that he is helping other countries see that we aren’t horrible people. Let’s all just hope that he can live up to the title.
@Taylor: I completely agree that Bono should win one. He has done a ton for 3rd world nations. He even does a HUGE thing about it at his concerts to make people think while being entertained. I saw U2 a week ago and they had a video about Berma/the Red campaign and were signing people up for his ONE campaign (trying to stamp out world hunger) while they were waiting to get in. He dedicated at least 15 minutes of the concert to awareness, but not at all in a shoving it down your throat or arogant way. He’s a class act and using his celebrity for good.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Congratulations to the President! To those who say “for what”, he has only been in office for eight months and if you know anything about government it takes years to make change. This is a man who has for the last two years worked and campaigned to make a change in this country and the world. A world of war, economic despair and fear. We spent 8 years under Bush living in fear and depression and this man brought us HOPE. Hope is powerful and difficult to conjure among the masses. I will never forget the moment when he won the Presidency and when he gave his acceptance speech. I have never seen the masses of cheering crowds and tears of joy for a ANY political figure in my lifetime(I’m 30).
This President has had to come into office in the most unimaginable circumstances and dealt with childish and petty behavior from the other party as well as abominable displays of racism from certain groups and areas in this country.
What is it that you expect him to do? Wave a magic wand and make everything better? Let me remind you that during his first year in office, Bush spent the majority of his time on vacation! He didn’t do anything until September 11 and by then it was too late!
The Nobel Prize is awarded to further the Laureate’s efforts. That is why money is awarded. The work has just begun and I am proud he is my President.
Isn’t it interesting that the Republican and Taliban reaction to this announcement was the same???Hmmm…..
October 9th, 2009 at 10:37 am
“Isn’t it interesting that the Republican and Taliban reaction to this announcement was the same???Hmmm….”
What an insulting thing for you to say.
I don’t identify as a Republican, I don’t think they’d have me! But I disagree with the award. Suddenly if we think someone else was more deserving of the award, we’re terrorists?
That’s just ignorant and disgusting. I know it’s the internet and you can say anything, but please, think before you post.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:47 am
It’s not ignorant and disgusting. It’s the truth. Look at the news. Read the reactions.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:56 am
This is called jumping the gun! WAY TOO EARLY for him to recieve an award like this. Just another thing to build his ego!
October 9th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Thinking this will bring a few smirks:
Let’s take a look at the president’s first 12 days in the White House according to his public schedule to see what he did to deserve a Nobel Peace Prize:
January 20: Sworn in as president. Went to a parade. Partied.
January 21: Asked bureaucrats to re-write guidelines for information requests. Held an “open house” party at the White House.
January 22: Signed Executive Orders: Executive Branch workers to take ethics pledge; re-affirmed Army Field Manual techniques for interrogations; expressed desire to close Gitmo (how’s that working out?)
January 23: Ordered the release of federal funding to pay for abortions in foreign countries. Lunch with Joe Biden; met with Tim Geithner.
January 24: Budget meeting with economic team.
January 25: Skipped church.
January 26: Gave speech about jobs and energy. Met with Hillary Clinton. Attended Geithner’s swearing in ceremony.
January 27: Met with Republicans. Spoke at a clock tower in Ohio.
January 28: Economic meetings in the morning, met with Defense secretary in the afternoon.
January 29: Signed Ledbetter Bill overturning Supreme Court decision on lawsuits over wages. Party in the State Room. Met with Biden.
January 30: Met economic advisers. Gave speech on Middle Class Working Families Task Force. Met with senior enlisted military officials.
January 31: Took the day off.
February 1: Skipped church. Threw a Super Bowl party.
So there you have it. The short path to the Nobel Peace Prize: Party, go to meetings, skip church, release federal funding to pay for abortions in foreign countries, party some more.
October 9th, 2009 at 11:00 am
You’ve just made a broad, sweeping gesture in which you compare people who don’t agree with the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Obama with terrorists. I don’t agree, ergo, you’ve just compared me to a terrorist.
That IS both ignorant and disgusting. You don’t see that?
There are many reasons to disagree with this award, they don’t mean we hate America or the President.
Comparing people who hold this opinion to a vile terrorist organization is simply not a good argument, moreover, it’s just not an appropriate thing to post on a forum like this. Apparently me, and others, posting our opinions is causing this insulting behavior, and out of respect for Trent’s blog, I’ll stop posting. However, we were having a civilized discussion before you made such a low-blow.
Just, please, think before making such insidious comments.
October 9th, 2009 at 11:08 am
@Rachel…Where did you get that link? It’s interesting.
I don’t wish to comment on the Olympics or anything else, but I will say I am disappointed in the committees choice. Not because of Barack Obama being chosen, but because there are other people who seem much more or as deserving and Barack only got it because of his public appearance. I’m not saying that Barack doesn’t have the potential to be deserving, but there were a lot of others who might’ve deserved it more and deserve it not based off of “hopes” for the future.
@Taylor…Sigh, I too have been waiting for Bono’s name to be called. Maybe he’ll have to wait so long he’ll get one post-death. The man may not be perfect, but he does so much for the people of Africa and the world.
October 9th, 2009 at 11:29 am
@Ria…
New health care reform? Bwhahahahaha! Same question right back at you…do YOU read the news?
October 9th, 2009 at 11:31 am
ok here’s a question that’s being asked on other sites: should Obama give back the medal? he’s already donating his prize money to charity (that was CNN that just reported it), but since it’s so early in the presidency should he give it back?
October 9th, 2009 at 11:38 am
@Dana, I think giving it back would be more insulting than receiving it with humilty and donating the funds to a charity (which I commend).
October 9th, 2009 at 11:50 am
@dana, he should give it back, but he won’t because Michelle won’t let him(my guess). The ONLY right thing to do is to donate the money to charity and @trent its not classy, its just the right thing.
October 9th, 2009 at 11:59 am
@Jill. I was not referring to Republicans in general, but in the the leaders, whether legitimate or de facto, of the Republican party. Look at many of the comments that have come from Rush Limbaugh, Michael Steele and other “leaders of the party”.
It’s also interesting that you said that just because you disagree doesn’t mean you hate the country or the President. I agree with you and did not say you hated Obama or the country. But it’s also interesting that this was a favorite Republican tactic all during the Bush years. If you are not with us, you are against us and America.
I guess I am just tired of them and their constant attempts to keep us in fear. Thankfully, their time is over.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
@Meghan, I am tired of whiners like you. Your president was NOMINATED 11 days after taking office, he did nothing to deserve that award within that time, and nothing prior either, he was running a campaign to BECOME the president for 2 years, nothing there that would warrant a Nobel peace prize, can you agree with THAT? My assumption is that when nomionations are awarded that the person had done some prior to that date to be worthy of the honor, what did your president do that was worthy, specifically?
October 9th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I think we should all get one now. Just for putting up with this bullshit.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
He may have been nominated back then, however he was not a front-runner at the time. Congratulate the guy, be proud of the recognition others have given our country and move on.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Btw- Do these Nobel prizes come in cracker jack boxes now?
October 9th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
@Kelly. If you live in this country he is your President too. Time to make peace with that.
And yes, I do agree with it. Wholeheartedly.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
@Rachel. Ahhh, copying and pasting from your holy bible, Fauxnews I see. Good choice- you’re exceptionally bright ;)
October 9th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
NOT EARNED.PERIOD
I voted for the guy but he does NOT deserve this & especially didn’t back on 2/1/09 – just after swearing in…JOKE
October 9th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
READ THIS CAREFULLY. This award was not based on “what he did the 1st 11 days in office.” Not at all. That’s ridiculous to even consider that. Don’t be short-sighted. READ THIS CAREFULLY: If you are NOT a minority, you may never fully understand.
October 9th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Hhhhhhhhhhha.
At least he’s giving the money to charity, though. :)
October 9th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Apparently my comment was deleted/sensored because I used the BS word so my apologies to you Trent. But give me a break he did not deserve this award and everyone knows it. I think that’s why people are so upset. There are other people in this world who have committed their whole lives to doing worthwhile things and he hasn’t at least not yet. Just because you hold a few meetings and give a few good speeches doesn’t make you deserving of this type of award…it should be earned.
October 9th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Yeah, I don’t think he’s a bad guy or so far overall a bad president but for world changes/peace there are plenty of people who deserve it more. He might become the greatest president of all time and do amazing things and then he should win the award but not until.
October 9th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Honestly, if Obama received this, let’s say 4 years from now, it would make more sense. I am not a Obama supporter, but I do believe that it is a too soon. It might even hurt the Obama administration! I don’t blame Obama or even want to give the medal back (that would be disrespectful), but I am mad the Noble Peace Prize committee.
It sad because of the negative publicity and association this award will get in the future. Getting awarded the Noble Peace Prize will be a running joke now… as in “I refrain from honking at other cars during traffic… where is my Noble Peace Prize?”
I am just sad that this prestigious award will now be the butt of all jokes. Can’t wait to hear all the late-night jokes tonight from Leno, Conan, Letterman, etc….
October 9th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
And please, don’t think that “Republicans” are expressing their views about Obama getting this award.
And please do not judge Republicans on several right-winged extremists. We don’t look at Michael Moore’s crazy rants and think all Democrats believe the same ish.
October 9th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
@Meghan I am Canadian. Are you saying you agree with the question I asked you?
October 9th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
@Rachel: Ah yes, because being a good person obviously equals going to church every Sunday. GET OVER YOURSELF. Last time I checked, Ghandi didn’t go to church every Sunday.
October 9th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I love Obama, but I think this award is a little premature. It would mean more if this was awarded later in his presidency. They basically gave an award for potential rather than results. Bill Clinton should have gotten one before Obama.
October 9th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
@V “If people could win based on what they ‘may achieve’ in the future, then Miss Universe should win every year for promoting world peace!!!!”
That’s a good one. I am an Obama supporter, but this award was given to him way too early.
Bill Clinton and Bono deserve it more than he does (for now). Both have worked FOR YEARS fighting poverty and AIDS.
He may end up being the best president ever. He may succeed in bringing world peace. But until that happens, I dont think he serves this award.
October 9th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
@Jen Definitely well said.
October 9th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
well, at first glance it seems as if it is premature. is it really just an award for not being george w. bush? however, perhaps it is a turning point. perhaps his hope is contagious. is that really such a bad thing? is the idea of peace a step toward real peace? has his real achievement been making america respectable again as a superpower?
October 9th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I may not be American so i don’t notice all the stuff that your so called President does… but WTF! This is just so favourtism and such a “Oh he is high demand and hot press, so lets make him the winner. Oh he is the first Black President too – that there makes him eligible because he accomplished some feat.”
—
This just spells so much rubbish. The person you created the Swine Flu Vaccination here in AUSTRALIA deserved it more than him! What has he seriously done that has dramatically changed the world in the past 12 months and made peace and what not??? I mean he hardly even got his nation out of the economic crisis. It was a hard job to do – but America is still f**ked. I mean, we, Australia, were hardly effected by the crisis. GIVE OUR PRIME MINISTER THE AWARD FOR ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING HUH?
—
Don’t care how you yanks view this, racist or whatever – but that dude did not deserve it and this just spells SHIT all over. Suck shit for not getting the Olympics! Just means, you’ll have trouble finding jobs over there. Well done Rio – give the unemployed some deserved work!
October 9th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
lol @ # PixiesBassline’s
“I think we should all get one now. Just for putting up with this bullshit.”
So much bickering going on here- it’s funny
October 10th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
What’s next a Cy Young award for throwing out the first pitch…sorry but this guy is a joke
October 10th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
What crap. Like he’s done shit!
October 10th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
It’s quite obvious most of these comments are from one person ;)
October 10th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
@Apples…maybe Ghandi didnt go to church every Sunday coz he wasn’t a Christian.He was a Hindu, so guess what?Hindu’s don’t go to church.And for that matter, Gandhi should’ve won the Nobel Peace Prize…he was nominated a few times but never won…so Barack Obama wins a Nobel Peace Prize but Mahatma Gandhi doesnt? Doen’t that seem a bit ridiculous?
October 10th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Rush Limbaugh is not a Republican “leader”, he has not been elected to a seat or office within the party. He is an entertainer with a radio show.
October 11th, 2009 at 2:01 am
I don’t know, but getting this award on pure expectation and speculation is a bit weird, rather than on actual fact. but whatever….especially as there’s going to be a new wave of soldiers in Afghanistan.
October 11th, 2009 at 2:04 am
i think the most worthy winner of this prize was Mother Theresa. I’m not religious or anything, but she really dedicated her life to the poor, sick and marginalized. respect. i’m sure she’’s going to be a saint soon
October 11th, 2009 at 2:10 am
as most of the people are saying here, if he had gotten it later on it would have made more sense.
though i do see it as a snub to Bill Clinton….
October 11th, 2009 at 2:12 am
@ V
but wouldn’t it be rude for him not to accept the award??