Rollins: Obama must now 'earn' Nobel Peace Prize

I didn't know that the Nobel Peace prize is given out first with the expectation that the recipient will "earn" it afterwards. Are you serious?

We should all be so proud that our President won the Nobel prize and brought it to the United States once more.
But all I am reading is critics complaining. What is wrong with our country?/
What we must look at is... not only ourselves but with instant communication the world is becoming one and must get along..
OUr President , elected by the people, recognizes this. We are so fortunate to have an intelligent, positive thinking leader in the White House. Support our Country... Support our President... We will succeed. But not with the nay sayers. Including the GOP no no no group. They do not want Obama to succeed and they are harming our country.
Congratulations President Obama for bring this wonderful prize to AMERICA> Audrey

I totally lost faith in the Nobel Peace Prize

Ed, YOU ARE A TOOL! Let's see, what did Obama do to earn this honer? The man brought diplomacy and rationality back to the world stage vs. the insane Republican polices of chauvinistic unilateral actions that only served to create instability, war and tarnish the USAs reputation. I think Obama has earned his honer. What good and honest thing have you given back to the world lately Mr. Republican critic?

Ed, Ed, Ed. Wake up. Obama did not win the Nobel Prize for making promises. He won it for the process. The process of including the world as partners in solving our problems. The process of respecting your neighbours and listening to them. Yes, including them as stakeholders. Go figure. The days of the Bush jingoism, US bullyism, is, for now, over. And the world breathes a sign of relief. Congrats Pres. Obama. The world is with you, even if the Republican pundits try as they will to tear you and your nation down to the lowest common denominator.

Mr. Rollins, I am not a republican nor a democrat but I always read your analysis for I find them mostly objective. But I am sorry to say that your tone has become more right winged recently and you are criticizing the president sometimes unfairly. Don't you see the historic mess created by last eight years of presidency? Don't you recognize the magnitude and complexity of domestic issues? Don't you realize that we are passing through a time for which you'll perhaps not find any parallels in past – in terms of issues and their scope at hand. Yet you run to make quick judgments and want instant solutions. There is no magic bullet Mr. Rollins and this is life. It's not about apologies when you recognize the truth in front of other nations that indeed your country men have messed up. To admit your mistakes and take responsibility makes your greater (though it starves your arrogance). Be fair Mr. Rollins and present solutions if you have guts. Help to solve the problems and don't do what others are doing in senate. Feeling good about being American is not worth much unless you don't live up to values on which this country was founded up. Read History ...Read American History people. This country was founded by peace lovers and not by hate and war mongers. Live up to those values and then you have the right to feel proud of being an American.

At least Rollins is being respectful in his critique of the award going to Barack. Whoohoo... Thats the change I voted for! Congratulations Barack!

the legislators across party lines need to pull their heads out of the sand and work toward good of the people not corporate special interest that only build wealth, he should have won for health care reform proposal

Something good happens in this country, for this country it's people and president and Ed Rollins has the audacity to jerk into action has the predictable negative pundit and person that he is.

What has Ed Rollins done to promote peace, prosperity and hope.? Absolutely nothing. Such is the world of 24/7 punditry seeking conflict for ratings. A kinder gesture would to have been to congratulate the President before pouncing knocking down a good thing.

You have a self centered view of the planet. The rest of the world is not America. He brought Peace to the world because he replaced Bush. Bush was so willing to attack the world. Started a war in Iraq, wouldnt talk with Iran, Korea, Cuba. and was constantly threating to invade some other country to get more oil. Obama came in and said I am willing to talk to you. That brought peace and stablity to the rest of the plant. It's not the "American Peace Prize".

I am so darn sick of these Rupidican windbags who haven't done a thing to stabilize this country economically, socially or diplomatically; yet they won't let this President enjoy not one accomplishment in his life or career. Everything is met with crybaby antics. They look stupid at best. They lie and say they are Patriotic and yet they are seen around the globe laughing and clapping and the loss of the Olympic games in Chicago as a alap in the face of our President and First Lady. Now this? Ed Rollins is an old washed up has been who needs to go on a hunting trip with Cheney and get hit.

I woke up today and instead of going into work I made a conference call. It was such a good call I got "Employee of the Year." My oratory skills are unchallenged and its about time people paid attention to them and not what I get accomplished at work. This guy has the entire world fooled.

Something good happens in this country, for this country it’s people and president and Ed Rollins has the audacity to jerk into action with the predictable negative comments we have come to expect from men of his ilk and political persuasion.

What has Ed Rollins done to promote peace, prosperity and hope.? Absolutely nothing. Such is the world of 24/7 punditry seeking conflict for ratings. A kinder gesture would to have been to congratulate the President before pouncing and knocking down an entirely good thing.

He should turn it down since he hasn't done anything but talk at this point. Feel sorry for the people that have actually had impact on the world... not just a good speaker. This has further devalued the Nobel Peace Prize.

A shame we will have to wait 50 years to see who submitted his name after only a few weeks in office.

I think that the reaction that Ed Rollins and others in this country are having is typical. The "majority" hell why sugar coat white people are running scared because the most powerful man in the world and the 2009 Noble Peace Prize winner is a black man. Lets face it all this is doing is showing that America has a long way to go when it comes to acceptance especially when it is dealing with race. I want to congratulate President Barack Obama for his efforts so far and his win this morning.

Ed Rollins a Republican might I add is falling victim with his fellow republicans who might I add are looking a bit paranoid and stupid for the campaign that they have started designed to see the president fail. ED ROLLINS NEEDS TO NOTE THAT THIS WAS A UNANIMOUS DECISON BY THE NOBLE COMMITTEE WHO ARE THE AUTHORITIES ON WHO DESERVES THIS AWARD. HIS OPINION DOESNT MATTER.

Republicans don't win it because they are always war-mongering. You could have made an argument with Reagan and the cold war, but what about all of the invasions of Latin American countries and covert operations with people like Ollie North.

Congratulations to Pres. Obama are in order. He has people around the world listening to the United States and at least thinking about peaceful solutions to problems and not military ones. But it takes two to tango. The President should not be criticized if peace is not realized in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Kashmir, Israel, Palestine the many countries in Africa. The people of those countries have to want peace themselves and that does not seem to be the case. It is not Obama's fault that the Palestinians and Israelis can't get along or the Shiites and the Sunnis. I can't wait to hear all the negative criticism from the Right about this one.

Face it Mr. Ed....no matter what Obama does, he will NEVER will have
earned it in your eyes, or any other Conservative's eyes for that matter.

Who else were nominated?

Anyone that actually DID anything?

It really bothersome when so called journalists ask biased questions and expect objective answers. John Roberts enunciates a standard (three speeches), then expects a partisan commentator for the Republican Party to respond objectively. Couldn't he have stated the standard announced by the Nobel Committee "...his "efforts to strengthen international diplomacy," his "vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons" and for inspiring hope and creating "a new climate in international politics" as stated by CNN, and then have Rollins respond to their reasons for giving the prize?

I am not surprised however, that such is the tact used by Mr. Roberts because that is the approach that is overwhelmingly followed by the news media. It is the media's way of generating controversy on which the media feeds.

It is only to be hoped the schools of journalism are doing a better job in preapring their students.

This award was as much a slap in the face of our previous President and his policies as much as it was awarded for the direction our current President seems to be going. He basically got the award for not being George Bush and actually making steps towards having America cooperate and work with the other countries instead of swinging our big stick all the time.

Wow, nothing out of your mouth.

It's amazing that the republicans can never find anything remotely positive about the president!! According to Rollins I guess Obama has to still earn is presidentcy.

Rollins is simply jealous!

[...] Headline on CNN: Rollins: Obama must now 'earn' Nobel Peace Price.  Aren't you supposed to earn it before you win [...]

I'm thinking about inventing a teleporter this year. I've never invented anything before, but I've talked with a few of my friends about it and they are SUPER stoked. I'll go ahead and have that Nobel Prize in Physics so that I can continue my work. Thanks!

Well, the world doesn't have to love the US, but there's a lot less people who hate Americans, I would say and I think Obama has a lot to do with it. Yes, he only had three big speeches abroad, but it's his policy and efforts that won the award.

While China may be a economic superpower, we still have the upper hand in morals, ethics, and humanitarian causes.

He could definitely use this to leverage the war in Afghanistan. That country may be the keystone to security for that side of the world. Imagine a scenario where we pull out, and the Taliban/al-Qaida declare a second victory over a superpower. That will galvanize their movement and bolster their ranks. Furthermore, if they join forces with the Pakistani Taliban and destabilize Pakistan, I think we'll have a major problem in our hands. We're fighting for peace there now, not revenge, and I think most American dissenters have forgotten or ignored that.

Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize......for what? Good intentions? Wanting to succeed? Making speeches? Why don't we award the World Series to the Chicago Cubs at the beginning of the season next year and then say "maybe it will inspire them to go out and win it". There is no doubt he has good intentions and can give a carefully crafted, teleprompter aided speech. But that is a far cry from actually accomplishing something on the world stage to bring about peace. Here is the concern: as he now sits down to decide what to do about Afghanistan, will this affect his decision? The military is asking for more troops to win the peace but what if Obama now decides that sending more troops will "look" hypocritical for someone who just won the Nobel Peace Prize? Afghanistan is the war that all those on the left were saying we should be devoting our energies to instead of Iraq and now that they are in charge, they are wanting to cut and run again. This award to Obama, at this point, is a joke.

The Nobel Peace award is the prize of losers. He is joining the company of Al Gore and Jummy Carter. The biggest jokes of all time.
That goes for Obama too.

Audrey, you ask, "What is wrong with our country?" Well, it certainly isn't that people are questioning whether the president deserves the award or not. It seems rather ignorant to simply say "Support our Country… Support our President… We will succeed. But not with the nay sayers," in that this country was founded on the idea that we can question things, and that we are supposed to question things and cry out when we think something isn't right. You can't call out people simply because they think the president is undeserving of the award and use as your defense that we should simply be happy that an American won the award and that we should support him (president or not). It is our duty to question. In my opinion, Obama has great intentions, but he has not, as of yet, done anything deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize, and the award is not supposed to be given out based on intentions.

Rhetoric and talk if Utopia. Aside from weakening the US and getting European elitists to like us, just what has he accomplished? Carter for all his faults is way more deserving. And he just got his in 2002. Over 20 years after he left office.

Yeyyyy, Ed Rollins! You are the best. You present the most unbiased comments. I watch you on CNN continually.

I am not pro- or anti-Obama in the political ring – I just want whoever is in charge to help our great country in every way they can. So far, President Obama has talked with a lot of seemingly good intentions, but I am not sure that he has accomplished anything. His administration (Secretary of State) has done far more with diplomacy than he has, but I guess he is credited for hiring her.

Quite frankly there are many more deserving people at this point in time than the President. Not to belittle him in any way, but there are people who have sacrificed their careers, their well being, and even their lives to help achieve peace. Does Obama get the prize because he is more famous?

I am not a Obama supporter, but I am proud that an American President is the receipient. I believe that President Obama worthy of this honor but I can't help but wondering why another president wasn't worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize. Ronald Reagan helped bring an end to the Cold War and also was responsible for the bringing down of the Berlin Wall. I believe his actions are deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize. I don't know what the rules are for awarding one, but if one can be awarded to a person whom is deceased, I believe Reagan would be a good candidate. Congrats to President Obama!

from CNN October 11, 2002:

Announcing the winner on Friday, the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Carter's decades of "untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."

Audrey, are you seeing what we are seeing? Wake up, the HOPE and CHANGE are not coming. We are on a slippery slope down to the bottom. We have never been in so much debt, our country is now racially divided once again, Congress is trying to shove a Trillion dollar health care package down our throat's without us having a word, the economy is the worst in a hundred years, unemployment is at a record high, Stimuluss money (AKA Taxpayer money) is going to private companies while citizens are going broke and losing homes... Shall I go on? What has Obama done for the American public? Sadly, nothing yet. I HOPE this changes, but as long as Obama is forcing his agenda instead of the American public's, we are doomed. True, the American people voted for him, but they voted for someone that would help them, and change their lives... It's just not happening.

This is like giving an award to all the members of a little league team BEFORE they play.

This move really cheapens the worth of a Nobel Peace Prize.

But then again, Al Gore got one, too ... proves the theory.

I voted for Barack Obama and I am very happy he was elected. I think he will do good things. However, I think this is entirely premature as well.

It is wonderful to know that the world is once again looking at our nation and our president with assurance and respect. I am very proud of President Obama. Why is it the world feels this way about a man striving to correct the ills of the past eight years, and many people in this country do not appreciate what they have right here for the first time in many years? Isn't it time to become the UNITED States of America once again.

Positive thinkers are great and all, but I thought the country elected a positive CHANGER. Otherwise we could have just elected Stuart Smalley.

Now Greg Mortenson, THERE is someone who has created real positive change in the world. And now no one will hear about him and his good works because the prize was awarded to a freshman president who talks pretty. So sad.

I know I will catch flack for this, but to me this award smells like a favor. All this week, the talk about President Obama has been how he has failed to accomplish absolutely anything of significance since taking office. How even with a majority in the House and Senate, he can't seem to make any progress. And today we wake up to these news. It sounds (to me) like someone called in a favor to boost an image and an ego.

Obama's done more in his first day of office than Bush did in 8 years of global alienation and war-mongering. I think Obama's earning it, every day.

The man was in office for two weeks when the nominations closed. The to quote the judge "We want to promote what he stands for", so the award was given on the hopes Obama would promote the agenda of the commitee who selected Obama. Obama's views maybe wide supported, but its like giving your student an A+ for a test he hasn't taken yet.

Another pontificating commentary by Ed Rollins. I, for one, am growing very weary of his biased, partisan opinions. We should all be celebrating this incredible honor given to our President. And Rollins should be ashamed of himself.

Audrey, I agree we should be proud but you know what's wrong with our country. Old white men like Rollins still have this visceral problem with seeing a man like Obama doing anything other than serving him food, shining his shoes, and picking his crops.

Rollins' behavior is representative of why Republicans have a 9% approval rating...

For those who want proof of evil in the world, simply look to haters who denounce a man for winning an award for PEACE. You'll probably see a lot of the same people who applauded the last president for WAR.

Some say it was too soon for President Obama to receive the award, but in truth it's the perfect time. We need to show the world that our leadership is once again committed to the pursuit of peace and international cooperation.

Well done, Nobel committee!

Why do the pundits think that it is helpful to humanaity to solve problems by dropping bombs on each other. Destroying property and killing humans, creating deficits in the process and going through a cycle of destruction, displacement and rebuilding.

We can do better. Stop cricising the President. He didn't award himself the prize.

Be proud for America. God Bless America

Mr Rollins may be a strategist for Republicans, but he is DEAD wrong and definitely out of touch with the reality of the world. Obama deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Just like the award says " NOBEL PEACE " and Obama has generated peace to the world with his speeches and his implementation of policies to the world. It wasn't premature, but it was on time. You and the rest of the GOP Republicans are plum idiots and lack knowledge if you don't have anything constructive to say. You need to man up and give credit to where credit is due, instead of following those negative old outdated white guys in Congress and those ditzy Sarah Palin people and have positive things to say about America. You guys are out of touch and out of time!

This award just diluted the Nobel Peace Prize to a miss congeniality award. This interchange here raises a vaild point. Bill Clinton has been working tirelessly using his global clout on this issue since he left office. Why not him? There is no logical reason to award President Obama this award at this time.

He has the wholke world fooled... A do nothing man who has done nothing of worth in his career other than give good speeches has everything handed to him.. If something dont go his way blame Bush or Fox news.. Clinton and Reagon actually shred the number of nucleor weapons and they weren't giving a thank you from the nobel committe.. Obama talks about doing something and he is the run away winner, it's crazy..

On Monday, I predict President Obama will get the Nobel Prize in Economics. Next year, it will be Physics and Chemistry. Then Literature, and finally Medicine, before his term is out.

I respectfully submit, MR. Ed Rollins is all wet in his logic. He is a typical Republican Lobyst, Mr. Carter was not given noble prize for being American President and President Regan fo any stretch of imagination cannot be considered as a candidate for PEACE. Mr. Rollins is just showing Republican bias towards us Americans who do not think like him and his party domestically and globally. He must know also except for literature, the Noble prizes especially in certain areas like economics and siences, the noble prizes are given to the
persons who came with initial discovery or thoughts that later developed by others into full scale discoveries or theories to the advancement of mankind. These winners were initiators. Obama is like wise considered as initiator of positive changes in our national
attitude towards world and fellow Americans irrespective of wealth
and utilization of our resources for the betterment of all Americans, not
chosen few and for the rest of the world. I

How will this impact Obama's position with Israel?
Will this award be used to leverage less support for Israel?

The Republican Party, Rollins and the RNC seem to want America to fail – they become a "Hate America" group whenever a Democrat is in office. When the American President was unsuccessful in attracting the Olympics to the US, these Republican shills cheer. When the American president wins the Nobel peace prize, the Republican shills attack both the president and the prize. Pathetic and disappointing…

I agree that we should be proud of this moment. Its sad to see that this is the era when American's should stand united yet for political reason we are being divided. I didnt vote for Bush. I didn't agree with alot of things he did. He was still my President. I still respected the fact that he represented the United States. I never once wished him to fail or wished him harmed. That what it truely means to be American. To stand united despite our differences. To protect, and care for every citizen within our borders. To voice your opinion respectfully and listen with an open mind. With out those simple factors this country is no than what Iraq, or afghanistan. When you will fully disreguard those factors for you own political gain you become Anti-American.

I had the intention to repaint all the curbs in our neighborhood one day; can I get an international award for that? If the pressure wasnt on Obama before he definitely has been propped up on the stage now...

The cutoff for nominees was Feb 1st. How much did he do in the first 2 weeks of office to even award a nomination? I wouldn't care if he won it next year, or at the end of his term. But being nominated before doing anything basically sours my opinion towards this once prestegious award. Last I checked, it wasn't suppose to be a popularity contest.

It is nonsense and everyone knows it. It is embarrassing to the U.S. to be handed this prize by a fawning Nobel committee when nothing was done to earn it. He was nominated before Feb 1, less than two weeks in office, just for being the first black president.

Hey CNN...why is that we only read or hear commentary from Republicans like Rollins or Feeney? You guys never have one progressive render a commentary on your site.

Is this the typical "no liberals" rule that you mainstream media types seem to enforce?

Now we know what candy will be most popular at Halloween. Chocolate nobel prizes wrapped in gold foil. Being critical about this decision is not being critical of President Obama, it is being critical of those that made this decision. I hope he earns it.

Giving the Nobel Peace Prize to someone who has done absolutely nothing to bring any peace to anybody has tarnished the whole point of the Prize. The Nobel committee should be ashamed.

Congratulations to the President for winning for world peace and understanding. He is in good company. Al Gore won the Nobel for his efforts on ecology. That's two Democrats with the prize. What's the Republican answer? Belittle the Nobel prize. What else?

While I'm not sure he was the most deserving nominee, I say it's great the prize went to an American! Go America!

It just astonishes me that, this man, who inherited a catastrophe from the prior administration has been lambasted for all of the ills and mess that still plague our country. He's been in office 9 months, and he's being criticized and blamed for a mess that he did not create, and has only been trying to straighten out, not only here in America, but internationally as well.

Congratulations President Obama! You deserve this award.

To Audrey,

Are you kidding me? Are you so out of touch with reality to actually believe that Obama deserves the Nobel Peace Prize? Please respond with what he has done to deserve it. Nominations for the prize end in Feb, he was in office two weeks. Do you get that? He was in office for TWO WEEKS. I cannot wait to hear your answer...

Brent

Come on CNN. How boringly predictable. What did you expect Ed Rollins to say? Every guest, whether Republican or Democrat, is going to give a partisan spin to whatever topic is being discussed. It's all politics driven and, frankly, I'm ready to tune out. Thank God for MLF playoffs.

Hey Rollins should be proud that an America leader has been recognized. Your sourness comes thru when ever time you talk about any thing related to Obama or the Democrats. As an American I am proud our leader was chosen. Shame on you for your comments.

Obama is new and he hasn't been in office for very long, however he's brought more attention not only to the needs of those in the U.S.A., but also in the world. Has he solved the peace problems? No he hasn't, but he's putting a dent in them and no offense to anyone, but do you see any leaders in the world standing up and making any efforts? Obama is out there calling attention to the problems in the world and trying to get all nations involved in world peace. Give him a break! Republicans stop criticizing and get out there and make your own positive contributions!!!

Poor Rollins... Maybe one day his conservative buddies can win one when they stop causing wars, death, and destruction.

It's funny republicans say 'o it's only 8 months into his presidency!' when it comes to this prize, but when it comes to other issues they think everything should be fixed already. This guy Ed will find negatives in ANYTHING concerning Obama.

A Nobel Peace Prize recipient is/should not be expected to "earn" it after he/she receives the award. Of course not. However, they are expected to be given to people who HAVE earned it already – something that is clearly missing in this case. Just look at the surprise throughout the media and world! Even Matt Lauer was surprised....

The Nominations had to be postmarked by Feb 11, he had just recently been inaugurated. As president he hadn't done anything significant yet. And eve at this point I don't think he has done anything significantly deserving to have received the award.

I would think one would have had to actualy acheived something already before being nominated.

I don't beleive President Obama deserves the award at this time. There are many others that have done much more towards bettering the world.

In my opinion this tarnishes the meaning of the Nobel Peace Prize

What if he doesn't accomplish the promises? He'll always have the award for wanting to acheive world peace. Doesn't every Miss America want the same thing? Speaks to the credibility of this award – it's certainly not Pres. Obama's fault he won it, but it may back him into corners he may not want to be in right now.

I for one, am very proud of our president but yet a bit perturbed with the nay sayers. We finally have a president who believes in peace & fairness. For a country who braggs about being founded upon christian values and the right to serve God. We are certainly a bunch of bigots, thieves, cheaters, and just plain name callers. Allow the president to do what we the people elected him to do.

Oh, for those who say he hasn't earned it yet because the results are not there, well nobody said that about Gore and Gorbachev. No, these people who make these comments are just angry that Obama is President and take every opportunity to belittle the man. I want to see a Republican politician win the Nobel prize,

What kind of country have we become. Now nobody celebrates an american victory unless is a military victory. No wonder the world hate us. Ironocally the same people that laugh when we lost the Olimpics is the one who complain when we won the nobel prize. These are the real unamericans.

Its amazing he has done more good in 9 months than Bush did in 8 years.

Oh my...It is another sad day in America but I believe people of other countries are very happy today.

The President did not ask to be a Nobel winner and I bet it was not on his mind. This goes to show that people of other countries are smarter than Americans.

Since this guy began running for office, he has received more hate than all other presidents.

I am sick of the hatred in America and I wish him well. Hilary said it truthfully; if Barack Obama was seen walking on water, people would say it's because he can't swim.

I hope those against his principles will eat their words and choke on their own venom.

Obama has returned America to the international table. Bush used right wing fear tactics to make money for his cronies. They started the wars for profit. period. With Obama at the helm, I'm no longer embarrassed or frightened to call myself an American as I travel outside of the US. Obama, who ahs travelled outside of the US, who has lived outside of the US, understands what it means to have our reputation tarnished as a country, in the eyes of future and current collaborators for peace and understanding. Bush's nightmare administration was nothing but embarrassment and tarnish. God Bless Obama. Ed Rollins. Go live in Paris or Berlin to see what I mean. Otherwise, shame on you for your all too common right-wing ignorance.

Check out the haters coming out of the woodwork already! The guy got the prize. He's already earned it.

Is Ed Rollings joking? I agree with some of his main points, but to say that our president has done nothing more than three speeches is just plain blasphemy. I'm so sick and tired of republicans and their constradictory statements, 'well I'm happy for Americans...but.' Seriously Ed, what have you done to better America? Complain?

Sorry, but there are SO MANY people who have worked tirelessly all their lives, in dire circumstances, with no money or fanfare, to bring peace and to help our fellow human beings, and this is a travesty to award this prize to a man who has really done NOTHING except give lovely speeches. This diminishes the prize, and the committee's purpose. In one way, it is a back-handed compliment--let's recognize the first black president by giving him a prize for being president--sorry, but it's not right, and Obama would be so classy if he declined the prize. So many other could use the money and the fame the prize would bring to continue the great work they are already doing it.

If you read about the people that were passed over for Obama to get it, the entire situation reeks. Rah rah. He won it. Tell the other 200 who did 1,000 times more with 1,000,000 times less that he was more deserving.

I have been critical of the news media for a long time now. I think that freedom of the press has taken on a meaning that was never intended. Press, media, news .. should be just that. Give me the news (facts) and let me interpret it based on my own experiences. I'm not as stupid as you imply!

Now we let people like Rollins and a myriad of "experts" tell us what the news really means and thus we have all of the news outlets biased one way or the other. Garbage and Rollins, your comment was just that, garbage!

No, the Nobel Peace Prize is given for things accomplished, in this case Obama reaching out to people all around the world in an attempt to create dialog and understanding, as he did to the Muslims, the Iranians, the Russians, the French, the Germans and the list goes on. Only someone with their head stuck in a place of darkness would not know or understand this or comment on it as Rollins did!

Oh where is the news these days?

Obama has just one-upped JFK in the department of "Cool Things to Have On Your Desk in the Oval Office." A Pulitzer is cool, but a Nobel? Way, way cooler.

Congratulations, Mr. President.

Maybe he should bring peace to his hometown of Chicago, where honors students have their lives endangered or lost trying to get ahead, before receiving the Nobel Piece Prize. Formerly, one had to produce a film before receiving the award, now the criteria is based upon future expectations, not actions.

Just another cup of cool aid for the obama worshippers to drink

Audrey you can feel fortunate to have Obama as president but don't expect everyone to worship him as you do, He has done nothing and I am embarressed that these people are in the white house. If Europe likes them so much they can have them.

Get concrete you two! That probably has been one of his primary objectives since getting into the President's Office....more chances for Photo Ops...Rhetoric and flowery speeches sometimes get the job done. But there others of us who believe ACTIONS speak louder than WORDS...I agree with Mr. Rollins. Words and flowery speeches dont necessarily make us a better country in they eyes of the world but the RIGHT ACTIONS do! We have had enough of the FLOWERY, PHOTO OP SPEECHES..Let's get some word done and DELIVER on some of those PROMISES you made to get elected....So for your Report Card is not looking REAL GOOD Mr President !!!!!!!!!!

George

Ed Rollins, you're a joke. You take any and every shot you can to discredit the President. In the end, you look like and old, defeated loser.

What some people fail to realize is that submissions for this prize had to be in in February of this year. That means Obama was in office for what? 1 month?!?! While all of us can just blindly sit back and say "yay an American won, good for us!" Lets take a critical look at the reason why he won.

To me this prize is clearly a supportive slap on the back for being the first Black American President. But that in itself is not a significant peace achievement. Unfortunately for the Nobel committee their significance has be dramatically devalued.

Why hasn't Ronald Reagan won for being instrumental to bringing an end to the Cold War? Why hasn't JFK won for stopping and avoiding the bay of pigs? What some thought of at the time as the precipice for the Third World War. Why Hasn't the elder Bush won for being an integral part of that process in the 80's and then finally ending the Cold War during his presidency? Why didn't Clinton win for his work in Ireland?

I'm a classic independent. I voted for Bush and I voted for Obama. But I'm very concerned for his new presidency right now because he has to live up to standards that are impossible to achieve.

Yes, let us celebrate the awardee. While he thinks about breaking his election promise, our brothers and sisters are being killed in Afgahanstan. WAKE UP AMERICA AND THE WORLD!

Ed, please be happy for this country, and the president for once , and stop all the bashing. this is one of the reason that he won the prize for peace in this world, because he never say I want for me and mind, he always say I want this to become a better world for us all.
Please let's be happy for our President, and stop all the negative words of shame, and failure. Just stop it people, this is a Man of great respect, knowledge, education, and wisdom even at the age of 48 yrs old, this just blows your mind, at what he has done in such a short time. I am so proud of him as being an American and bring this to pass for world peace. When will all this bashing stop in America.
He won the office in Nov 2008, and became the first Black President in Jan, 2009, I think that was a big world accomplishment within it self for him aganist all the hell that he was put through.
Congra's Mr President on all your accomplishment so far and in the future. God's speed.

Rollins is a grumpy old man. He wouldn't be happy for Obama even if he did broker peace in the middle east, get the Russians to collaborate around the Iranian issue, show progress on reducing nuclear weapons, or any other achievement towards peace. He would claim we gave too much away somehow. I like the idea of presenting a conservative voice on issues like this, but this one can't seem to get over his allegiance to Reagan. Or maybe there just aren't many reasonable conservatives – my sympathies in this case to CNN, who are charged with trying to find one. Obama won this award for changing a culture of unilateralism and obstinance, and we should all be thankful to and proud of him.

People like Rollins are the reason the Republicans are still fighting for an identity. When you win, you congratulate and celebrate. When you lose (after a good fight), you get up and move on. The typical loser mentality (Rollins') is to keep digging into past (like mentioning "last Friday") in why the neo-cons will lose again in 2012.

The key point not mentioned in this article is that the Nobel Peace Committee is left leaning and the finalists were decided upon on February 1, 2009. That is exactly 10 days into President Obama's tenure. Are you seriously telling me there are no others in this world who have done far more for peace in their life time than Obama did in 10 days in office? I think not.

I'm really getting tired of this nutcases waving the stars and strips but then celebrating US defeats. Who needs enemies when you have Republicans.

Lost the Olympic bid, they cheer.
Save the Auto industry, they boo.
More and more people go without medical care, they cheer
The US President gets the Peace prize, they boo.

First, lets congratulate our President bcause people from every where is watching the most powerful country on the globe and all they hear this moning is "he's black", he's not ready, "we are stunned, etc. What ever criteria this committee used to make their decision, the bottm line was clear to them, President Barack Obama exudes what this world needs, peace and time for change. It's not about the color of his skin, it's not about where he was born, it's about at last, someone is proud enough to talk and fight for international equality on many fronts. For those that bring us our news every day, stop the hating on his accomplishments, where minor or major, and be thankful that we have a leader who articulates well, who is a loving father and husband, who is humble but thorough. In all my years on this earth, we have sterotyped African American men in a negative stage, and now that the leader is not what we think he should be as a black man, we find othe things to stick to him. Why is he taking time out with his kids when the economy is so bad, why is he taking his wife out to dinner in New York, why is he talking to these foreigh countries, why is he this and why is he tha, he is doing too much. Give him a chance to make the changes he speaks about, rally behind the changes and then, if you are disatisfied, then vote your choice once again at the next Presidential Election, but please, give this man a break!!! CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!

Rollins,

Stop being so hateful.

"Is it really that he’s built peace in the world or just wants peace in the world?"

Don't you have to want something in order to achieve it? Or perhaps peace is something a hateful person knows nothing about.

Americans may not understand why Obama won the prize, but others around the world do. The rest of the world views the United States in a different light that many Americans do not understand.

Two big groups complaining about Obama winning the prize (which, surely, you can't blame Obama for) are: Republicans and Al-Qaida. Both of those groups loved Bush.

We know why Al-Qaida loved Bush. They rightly credit him with vastly improving their recruitment efforts. And, he looked the other way as they planned and executed the 911 attacks. However, no one seems to understand why Repugnants supported Bush. After all, he brought their party to its knees. Maybe they loved him for his short-term accomplishment of shoveling money to his fat-cat friends, the richest 1% of the country.

People like Rollins are the reason the Republicans are still fighting for an identity. When you win, you congratulate and celebrate. When you lose (after a good fight), you get up and move on. The typical loser mentality (Rollins') is to keep digging into past (like mentioning "last Friday") in why the neo-cons will lose again in 2012. And this guys calls himself a "strategist"?

rollins, you are a loser !!!!!!!!!!! @ audrey "WELL SAID" , icould not agree more.........

What is wrong with the republicans? President Obama is an inspiring world fugure, He challenges us to be better, to embrance what people have in common instead of focusing on what sets people apart or are at odds with. The US should take the lead in this area for world peace. The nobel peace prize committee are obviously forward thinkers. The republicans on the other hand, are stuck in the past. They just do not want to see what is possible with the Obama presidency, they just want to ruin it, no matter what, where its on climate change, green jobs, health care and the wars we are currently engaged in. They just take the opposite view, but offer no specifics, no cooperation. They are a terrible party and un-american!

I'm a big fan of Obama, and have great hopes in what he might be able to accomplish, but this is just so very wrong. This award must be earned for achievements made, not for what if's and maybe's in the future.

He should graciously decline the award. I have confidence Obama will one day earn it, but not at this time.

I realy think President Obama has a lot of potential but, it is just that, potential. The Peace Prize now is premature and not earned. I really agree that this will put pressure on him to "earn" the award he's already received, additional pressure that has far mor potential to work against rather than for his success

The "Party of NO" (that means you too, Ed) needs to get over itself. The President is bringing us something real to be proud of, instead of the false pride of the Bush Presidency.

America and Americans need to be able to have pride in something other than "We kick ass!".

It's been a while since I was proud to be an American for something besides our past. Let me tell you what I was told when GWB was at the helm: "If you cannot get behind our duly elected President, you should look for a home where the politics suit you better."

Hey, it's great Obama won the award...but let's be honest, there were many others who deserved this award that have put there talk into action. This award seems very premature but hopefully he will take it and prove that he's earned it.

Well, It appears the committee would like Obama reelected next time and this is the only way they can help. Seems like they would have waited until he was successful at achieving some kind of peace somewhere before giving the award. I like peace, everybody be nice to each other! Can I have the prize now?

Nonsense! I've no idea what's going on but it sounds like a sham to me. How in the world does one win a Nobel Peace Prize for doing nothing?

There are sooo many more deserving people of this prize. From global aid workers, who have given their lives to the "meek", to others who have highlighted the plights and tribulations of the same people.

Obama will use this money for democratic campaigns, while those truly deserving to be be Nobel laureates would spend it on their humanitarian causes.

Good job Nobel committee; you just cheapened the value of the prize!

Congratulations to Obama's teleprompter, because it's done all the work!

@Audrey. You say congratulations for bringing the award back to the U.S. like it;s some kind of competition and not an award for achievment.You talk like its ok that he has yet to do anything to earn it becuase you think he will earn it in the future. Thats like giving the World Cup to the U.S. Soccer team in the first round before all of the games have been played simply because you are pretty sure they are going to be the best team anyways. you have to do things to earn this stuff.

He gets a peace prize but doesn't meet with the Dalai Lama when he comes to Washington DC because he doesn't want to upset the Chinese. Interesting... Doesn't look like he is spreading world Diplomacy to me. What a joke!

Now I realize that the Nobel Peace Prize is meaningless. This is ridiculous to award someone who has accomplished absolutely nothing a peace prize.

Ed Rollins has never done anything in his life except shill for the rich and powerful. I'm not even sure he understands what the Nobel Prize is about. In any event, he's in no position to be lecturing the President on this.

Hmmm, after reading a few of these statements I am puzzled. Everyone appears to simply trust in the work of a couple hundred Nobel Peace Prize committee members. However, where are they? They are on the other side of the globe. They have little to no knowledge as to how things are domestically in the United States. Unemployment is rampant throughout the country, and government spending is atrociously high. If they gave Obama the award solely based on three speeches, they should have seriously reconsidered.
I want our country to succeed. Of course this is an accomplishment. But there are so many more deserving people who have done good throughout their entire lives, unlike our new nine-month-in president.

AMEN Audrey – I couldn't have said it better. I'm so sick of people complaining about Obama – at least he's trying and working really hard. Even Gates said that he likes working with Obama (and he's a Bushie) that he's intelligent, considers all view points and sides before making a decision. But the press / republicans go after him for taking a trip to try to get the olympics in Chicago – or to NY for a play when Bush had more vacations than ANYONE should have. He'd already had several by this stage in his presidency – and mind you 9/11 happened, but that didn't keep him from his vacations. See – I said I couldn't say it better than you. Whew – thanks for letting me rant!

while some may see the Nobel Przie Award as being presented to President Obama as premature, it may be that we do not see what the world is seeing in him. looking from the outside in, he has dramaticly changed the perception of Americans for the better and given us hope. i think it is a very positive notion and should so also perceived by Americans

The President does not deserve this prize and the honorable thing would be to decline it. He has done nothing so far for world peace. Nice thoughts and speeches really don't count. This award is a slap in the face to every prior winner who actually deserved it. Does any reasonable reader here think President Obama's accomplishments so far are in the same league as Mother Teresa, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu etc?

I'm a huge Obama supporter. I think he's being unfairly criticized for a lot of things. But this Nobel prize award is completely undeserved at this point. It will also hurt Obama domestically, though it's not like the repubs were about to become respectful and bipartisan anyway. The only saving grace is that it wasn't Obama's choice to win - otherwise it would be his "Mission Accomplished" moment.

No Obama hasn't earned it yet but again This is the commitee who gave peace prize to Yasser Arafat who invented hijacking but did not give it to Gandhi.

What else can we expect.

Madhu

Cary
NC

President Obama's maturing as a national and international leader is still underway. Serving in the shadow of this award must summarily alter his thinking. He now has the tremendous burden of deciding our future in the context of this award and supposed world opinion. For example, how does the peace prize winner commit 40,000 more troops to Afganistan which may be the best path to securring that country and defeating Al Quada. If the last option, bombing Iran to prevent that nuclear proliferation (for which he was cited by the committee) is the only remaining option, how will his judgement be swayed by his perception to live up to the committee's view of what this prize means. No doubt Obama views this as an affirmation of his foreign policies. He won't see that it subtly locks him in to certain dangerous directions. I want a president capable of clear, rational thinking that is unconstrained by an imagined obligation to live up to the committee's expectation. I fear that the president's ego and his advisors will not let this happen. I can appreciate efforts for world peace, but this award does nothing to remind him that he is president of the United States, not the world. This award was not a good idea and will leave a dangerous legacy.

Obviously, it's based on his campaign speeches, as nominations closed on 1/31/2009, I believe. We can all hope he IS successful in the quest for peace, but no one deserves it with no real accomplishments other than beating weak candidates for his elected offices. Given some of the past winners.....this has become more a publicity prize than any real award for peace-making.

Give me a break Audrey, Obama winning the prize has nothing to do with people supporting him or the USA. He did not deserve to win it, he hasn't even done anything. Obama will not be our president when the next elecetion comes around. I already know many peoiple who voted for him are now saying they made an error. Only reason why he won is because of his McCain being a poor choice to run against him.

SO Obama is blamed and seen negatively for losing the Olympics and for winning the Nobel peace prize? Give me a break. You don't earn something once you have won it. He is already an accomplished man and will continue to accomplish more. The proper response, Democrat and Republican alike, would have been disappointment at not getting the Olympics and pride for getting the Nobel.

What has he done to deserve this? Pelosi should have gotten it before he did, at least she's vocally anti-war. It's made a mockery of the whole Peace Prize, but then didn't they give it to Peanut Farmer Carter too. If he had any backbone we wouldn't be in the current situation with Iran. He was the worst president until Bush II came along. Maybe BHO can sell it and feed all the jobless and homeless people in the USA. Or better yet, humbly decline it and then do something to actually earn it.

I congratulate Obama for his victory. Obviously Nobel committee (250 members) nominated Obama for this. America, be pound of it. I am NOT why everyone start criticizing Obama, all you guys can see is just the three speeches, I see the timing and the content of the speech and the message to the world.
Stop letting down the president support him, he is very smart and great leader.

I love the fact that people are happy that he brought the Nobel peace prize to America again...really? Grow up. That prize is meant to honor someone who has made a difference, what has Obama done? Our men are still in the Middle East, The Patriot act just got renewed, and Guantanamo Bay is still open that sounds like a very peaceful nation right? He's the same as Bush he's changed nothing, He does not deserve this award, plus he was nominated before he became president!!!!! POLITICAL MOVE ANYONE?

You know, when the President was nominated, no one complained or objected then. Only after he has won the award for Peace is he attacked. People you need to stop and think for a moment. President Obama did not seek, request, nor did he apply for the Nobel Peace Prize. he won it because the group that makes the selection chose to give it to him. Deserve it or not, accept it and be proud that our nation has been recognized for something other than wars and mass killings around the world. Give it a rest people. I say that knowing full well that as long as President Obama is our President there will be that group of people that are willing to see our nation fall rather than accept and or support him as our President. Well that's sad but be it know to you all that there are those of us that are willing to keep our country together so we can all live in a free world and that includes the people that want to see our country collaspe.

ALWAYS and for as long as I can remember the Nobel Prize was an award given to the most outstanding in various categories. BUT, with awarding the prize to Mr. Obama, I now realize it really stands for NOTHING! Who are these foreigners who don't understand what an empty shell we have for the leader of our country. What is this WORLD coming to???

It is inspiring and incredibly hopeful to see that by reviving the US' role true diplomacy, the Nobel committee recognizes the stride forward that has been taken. Our placenon the world, as Americans and members of the global community has been re-elevated and holds further promise. Well done Mr President.

Rollins have some coffee and WAKE-UP! HE ALREADY WON IT!!!!

Rollins can't understand this award because he can't undertand anything. The party he supported put a dark cloud over the whole world. The country the world looked to for guidance and to be a moral compas had stumbled and become a threat to the saftey of the word because of the ingorance of the policies and actions we adapted under the Bush administration. President Obman, and his election to President based on his beleifs that America is better than we where acting, has shown the world that there is hope, we do get it and we are not all the "shoot from the hip cowboys" that we had become. He denounced torture, profit war, ilegal wiretaps, redition, and ilegal arrests on day one. He showed the entire world that America still is the great and wonderful country that the world can look up to. Just when it looked like we where lost, he brought "HOPE" back to the world that America was not blind to the defects of the rightwing agenda. We may not be perfect, we may have stumbled and lost our way, but we are back on the path that the world can follow in peace. Those that don't understand that, don't understand this award, this country or what makes our nation great.

We are seeing how Chicago corrupt politics and socialist eurocrats are working against American interests overseas by awarding elitist awards to our peace monger in chief.
We can hardly wait for 2012 to put a pro American conservative in the White House and get the world to respect us again.

Congratulations President OBAMA. You deserve this award just for having to deal with the racism in this country. Rollins wants to know who is on this award committee? I can guarantee..racist are not allowed.
Rollins doesnt mind congratulating black people for getting the award for a sport...(as Rollins stated in the interview "golf,tennis, international stage) but I guess he thinks it is wrong when a black president receives the award. How can you not be happy for the President of this Country!!!!

Obama was nominated for the Nobel two weeks into his Presidency, no accomplishments, just a lot of talk. 8 months later, what has he done for regional, world or international peace? Nothing. Gave a few speeches, no accomplishments in the Middle East, zero elsewhere. Oh, but he did refuse to meet with one of the premier emissaries of peace and human rights, the Dalai Lama because he did not want to offend China. Of course, no mention that he and Hillary criticized Bush for attending the Olympics in China because of the situation in Tibet. The Nobel has become a joke. Out of the 80+ nominations, Obama was number #79 on the list in actual accomplishments. Is this supposed to be the consolation prize for not getting the Olympics?

What is wrong with people. President Obama took over after and 8 year disaster. We went from a huge surplus to a huge deficit, 2 wars, economic disaster and everyone seems to think he can fix it all in 8 months. He is intelligent, sincere, dedicated and compassionate. Give him time.....Our problems can't be fixed overnight. As for the Peace Prize, he has brought respect back to the US and is urging peace with everyone.

Rollins is absolutely right. Yes, it's great that an American won. Yes, Obama has made some efforts to reconcile America with other countries (and other countries with each other).

He has not, however, made "extraordinary efforts" in my view. He has made SOME efforts, but I don't think his efforts at this point are Nobel-worthy.

What was President Obama's major accomplishment to bring about world peace? A few good speeches? Come on...

This is so premature and laughable. He has just begun his presidency and is now about to send more troops to Afghanistan. What was that committee on? More and more the peace prize is becoming a political tool and nothing more.

Rollins can’t understand this award because he can’t understand anything. The party he supported put a dark cloud over the whole world. The country the world looked to for guidance and to be a moral compass had stumbled and become a threat to the safety of the word because of the ignorance of the policies and actions we adapted under the Bush administration. President Obama, and his election to President based on his beliefs that America is better than we were acting, has shown the world that there is hope, we do get it and we are not all the “shoot from the hip cowboys” that we had become. He denounced torture, profit war, illegal wiretaps, rendition, and illegal arrests on day one. He showed the entire world that America still is the great and wonderful country that the world can look up to. Just when it looked like we were lost, he brought “HOPE” back to the world that America was not blind to the defects of the rightwing agenda. We may not be perfect, we may have stumbled and lost our way, but we are back on the path that the world can follow in peace. Those that don’t understand that, don’t understand this award, this country or what makes our nation great.

Well, at least we now know that Isaiah was not dellusional, nor all the other writers of the Bible.....you're seeing the truth right before your eyes..open them!

I don't belittle anyone for getting congratulatoins.....but premature...now that is just not right....

I think this article is right. He hasn't done anything. What happens if he gets the USA in World War III before his term is over? Do you take it away?

This may backfire and appear as arrogance by the Americans again. Our President is getting rewarded for not doing any work. I guess that mirrors his welfare policy.

The nobel peace prize just became a marginalized relic = see grammys.

Is this the first politically correct nobel prize ever given out?

I think the committee members were on drugs when voting time came around. I can picture them now throwing all 205 names in a hat and drawing a name and it happened to be Obama. No other reason. There were a ton of individuals nominated that deserved it more than he. The rest of the world are all so "tickled pink" that he got the award too. Can you see them dancing in the streets in other countries? This award use to be a prestigous award, it has become a joke around the world after this announcement... I really wouldn't have a problem with Obama winning it if he had actually done something to earn it. Be real people, he hasn't earned it! If you think he has, please show me a list of "Accomplishments" he has since becoming president . I know of not one as of this date.

Dear Ed,

Sorry but your arguments are weak. President Obama needs to continue doing what he is already doing so there is no need to earn it. Doing the opposite of the Bush-Chaney and Republican party administration earns him just that , the Nobel Peace Prize. It is amazing that you can't set aside your partisan retoric even for such a historic event. You have just confirmed our belief that the republican party represent the party of war. Oh by the way, I am an independent.

Mario A. Rojas MD, MPH

We should be all so very proud of our president, but instead we have got the right wing already critizing. Those people are so full of crap that they should all be flushed down the tiolet. It is almzaing that they would take a moment like this and put their their negative spin on it!!!

This is a joke right? I am going to wake up from this dream and find out that some deserving person has been awarded the Nobel peace prize. It cannot possibly be true that President Obama has won. What in the world has he done to deserve it? All I see is a man who loves to put himself out in front of us to deliver some type of daily message. I agree that he will now have to "earn" this award but I don't believe he is capable of doing so. He is all talk and no action!

There is nothing peaceful about Aghanistan escalation, threats to bomb Iran, and the continuance of turning a blind eye to the Palestinian plight through overwhelming support for Israel. I think the peace prize lost its luster after Al Gore, with all his carbon emissions, won it for his fight against global warming. The prize should have gone to one of the dissidents under consideration who have spent their lives suffering for justice and equality. I just don't get it. Ron Paul would have been a better choice if the nominating commitee wants to put an American politician in there.

Is there such a thing as "earning" a Nobel Peace Prize? How do you select the most deserving peron in the world?

Evidently all of the skeptics would have preferred to see someone else get the award, but to my knowledge, the Committee gets to choose whomever they want, doesn't have to be the most accomplished person, however people choose to define that. I'm sure he's not the only one who "deserves" it, but he happened to be the one selected by the Committee. Why can't we be happy about that?

Maybe the Committee decided to recognize him for the challenges he's addressing – not hiding from – on the international scene, while dealing with incredible challenges on the domestic scene. I have no problem with that. Lots of people are doing lots of great things in the world, and he's one of them.

What is wrong with the republicans..everything is political..They should be proud that Obama won the peace prize. He won on the basis of his many efforts in the short run of his presidency to drill some sense in this world, that we can live peacefully irrespective of our religion,color or creed.
The man is a good ,intelligent & caring human being..Give him a break & support him to achieve prosperity for average Americans..

But as always Republicans will never do that, but after all they are just a bunch of poor losers...

Cleaning up after 8 years of Bush II, almost 30 years of Reaganomics, and trying to engage the new Republican "Party of No" – Barack has already earned the Nobel.

I think the issue here is the timing. It is so early in his presidency, that I think this will actually diminish the value of the prize. I firmly believe that, given his goals, he would at some point been considered for and awarded the prize, but his is kid of like putting the cart before the horse. he has a big job ahead of him, and some very lofty goals, but this seems more like an award in anticipation of what he will do, rather than as a recognition of significant accomplishments. I think he should have humbly declined the award. It would have boosted his capital, and his ability to work for peace even more than accepting it. In fact, I think this might actually hamper his efforts. Too bad.

It scares me to death that so many leftist crazy loons seem to fawn all over this obama fellow.. And a growing number of our real allies are feeling betrayed by him..

Very interesting... I think there is a definate world agenda that this guy can be manipulated.. and he probably will be..

selected for his "vision" and inspiring "hope" at the beginning of his presidency.

"For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman,"

I think, Obama should refuse to accept this Nobel Peace prize bestowed on him, humbly and give it to the right person who deserves it . There are many people in this world who scarified their lives to help humanity, saved lives and still going on without expecting any rewards.
President Obama did so far speak lot of times about Hope & Peace but , has not proved anything yet. He should realize that he is not yet ready for the honour.
This decision looks more political than genuine appreciation.
By refusing and suggesting the right winner for the prize, he will be proving himself as a leader who has the courage to show flaws to then Noble Committe in its decision , and guide them in to right path.

I beleive Obama has that quality in him as he says his ideal her is Gandhiji many times. If Gandhi were given the prize when he was in Tolstoy Farm still ( which was 40 years earlier to winning Independence for India ), he would have done the same.

I've lost quite a lot of respect for the Nobel Peace Prize. This was definitely early and once again shows the World is obsessed with this Rock Star.

Actions speak louder than words. I was no Clinton fan, but he deserves this prize 10 times more than Obama for his efforts in the Middle East. We're criticizing Obama because of real reasons, not because we just love dividing the country. I don't like the insinuation that criticizing this president is divisive, but criticizing the last one was the popular thing to do. Obama needs to actually do something, not just talk.

This shows how political the Noble Peace prize is. First Al Gore and now Obama? The Nobel Peace price no longer has any significance or meaning. It appears as if they will give one to just about any one whether they deserve it or not. This was clearly not deserved.

I would have to agree with Mr. Rollins. I do not feel that Mr. Obama has done anything significant to bring about a lasting change in world attitude towards global peace, and that this award was done for political reasons instead of keeping with the true spirit of the criteria for the award. I only hope that what is given to him in anticipation of good works yet to come does not turn into a debacle if Mr. Obama cannot deliver on his potential promises.

Peace is more than just giving speeches. It is about work towards diplomatic meetings and agreements. It is about getting on the telephone, sending letters and having diplomats meet internationally. That work cannot be done alone.

With the past eight years of the 'cold shoulder war', Barack Obama has re-opened diplomatic channels that had been closed – shut tight by George W. Bush with his "Evil" speeches, his great reluctance to get the Palestinians and Israelis to meet...

And, already, he's worked more than George W. Bush did in all of his eight years of the Presidency.

In a precarious time when the slightest provocation could ignite a global conflict, his actions changed the tone and so far has difused the situation. It's not resolved, but he has dramatically and positively changed the worlds perception of America

He won because Obama's name was the only one the Nobel Committee recognised on the list of nominees. Like they would recognise some Afghan or Chinese dissident who places their lives on the line daily to bring peace.

By the way the Congressional Budget Office just announced that the stimulus package will actually shave the deficit.

What a joke. I think we should all be rewarded with cookies and gold stars for the wonderful promises we have made and have yet to live up to.

Audrey, where is your depth, darlin??? Are you serious when you say the world is becoming one? Yes BO is our saviour and will end all wars! Get real!!!

The Nobel Peace Prize is not like Soccer's World Cup or Golf's Ryder Cup or gold medals at the olympics; it is not won on behalf of a nation. It is won by a person or persons for exceptional strides and accomplishment in advancing peace in the world. This notion that President Obama "brought" the Nobel Peace prize back to the United States is inaccurate and incorrect. Should one of the nominees from China have won for advancing peace, the same would hold true. Read Alfred Nobel's original definition of a deserving candidate and then really consider whether a President who hasn't accomplished much in the advancement of peace yet is worthy of this year's award.

I mean the Health Care Reform policy

Audrey, thank you so much for that wonderful comment! I, too, am very proud of our President. He has been, and continues to be, an amazing inspiration to us all. My hope for this country and our role to do good in global matters has finally been restored with President Obama.
Congratulations, Mr. President. May God bless you and guide you throughout your presidency, as well as give you strength and courage to continue on your wonderful path!

I am so very proud of my President. I finally have my country back again because of him, and I am not giving it back. This will surely result in sour grapes for the GOP and its followers.

Congratulations Mr. President.

Our president won the award and some people are still complaining. It just doesn't make sense just like when Chicago lost the olympics and some Americans were cheering. These critics belong to a mental institution. GO OBAMA, nobody can stop you!!

You have got to be kidding me >>"extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." Is that what you call it when he criticizes the US when abroad.

No offense to President Obama as I consider him a good person, but I thought the Nobel Peace Prize was suppose to award a person for a huge success in attaining a positive step towards gaining world peace. I don't see that President Obama has done anything at all that resembles this process. Does it not diminish the reverence and significance of the award to just give it out for no reason.

Think of it this way guys, Your REPUBLICAN President had such a NEGATIVE affect on our WORLD, that the nobel peace prize commitee is willing to acknowledge the courage of a man who's willing to put forth the dedication and resilience towards cleaning up YOUR President's screw ups, WITHOUT those actions even being accomplished yet!!!! Far fetched?...Maybe. But I guess the excitement of having a President who actually has our well being at heart, still hasn't grown old!!!!!!

I think I almost threw up when I saw he won....you have got to be kidding me....reading a teleprompter gets you a Nobel Prize? And the nomination process occurred prior to him even starting his term? What a joke...

It is a tremendous honor for President Obama and , more importantly, for out country. I am proud of him and proud of the United States.

I am celebrating that an American won this prize, that America is stepping up to lead for peace instead of war, that we now have increased standing on the world stage to stand up to Iran and North Korea and Burma with moral authority. To the critics – just take a breath and celebrate our nation and all it stands for.

As I see it this cheapens the Nobel Prize. First they give it to Yasser Arafat who was considered a Terrorist by most standards. It seems any one who talks of "Peace" and makes a few speeches would get this? President Obama has "NOT" accomplished anything at this point. His name had to have been put in to the hat even before he was elected President. What had he done in September or October of 2008 that would have deserved this? Talk? Preach? I guess awards are given for Any One?

This is a complete farce! It's like giving out an Olympic Gold medal to an athlete prior to the competition! What Peace treaty has he signed as President to win such a prize? Getting a prize like this one makes sense when your name is Nelson Mandela with a history behind you that support the win.

I am sure he has a "Dream" but he is not proven yet. A Nobel prize I thought was for proven accomplishments.

Given the recent history of this prize, it should have been no surprise that Obama was the awardee this year. Think of Arafat, Carter, etal–this selection simply continues the slide to irrelevance for this once prestigious award. As Hillary Clinton often said during the campaign, "he gave a speech", which is the sum total of his accomplishment to date.

We're both Obama voters and our reaction is......"for what"? The man has offered to talk, and does talk a lot himself, but really? The idolitry has to take a back seat at this point to serious action and RESULTS...to much talk and way too little action at this point. The Nobel committee lost A LOT CREDIBILITY with this selection. Hopefully he backs up the words pretty soon, with RESULTS.

So the deadline to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize is Feb 1st. Obama must have had a good two weeks then. Fooled me because he has done nothing at all as President.

Wow, that's a slap to the Bush years if I ever saw one, from the cnn article:

"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 committee said.

"His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population," it said.

I think that Obama's probably somewhat embarrassed by this as well. It's not like you campaign or apply for a Nobel Peace Prize; this is the work of a committee. In the face of a Republican minority in this country heaping near-unprecedented scorn and hatred on him, the last thing he needs is another target painted on him.

Even as an Obama supporter, I don't think you can say that this award has been earned. I think you're stretching the facts to fit the truth if you want to say that what he's done so far justifies the award. I would have loved to see something like this at the end of a successful presidency, not the beginning.

Tell me, though, what can Obama do now, except humbly accept and promise to try to live up to it? The real test will be of our character as Americans; the patriotic middle path is to be glad that the honor went to our country. However, we'll see a lot of ugliness on both extremes, with some poor winners rubbing it in the faces of their opponents, and a huge outcry of scorn and viciousness from Obama's opponents. That may be the most important judgment on America to come out of this whole mess.

Two thumbs up Mr. President! You have a clear understanding that the world stage is not a football game nor about ego.

Peace!

The Nobel Peace Prize is as worthless as our president. What is the world coming to when you give "coveted" award to not only a president who has done absolutely NOTHING to earn it, but has also been given to Yasser Arafat?!? Who's next? Hugo Chavez? Osama bin Lauden??? How about Hitler? What a joke. What an embarrassment to the United States. We should rename it the Nobel "something for nothing" prize or Nobel "communist" Prize. What a sham.

Once again I am sickened by the "free pass" that has been handed to Obama. He has done NOTHING to deserve this. For those of you out there saying "We should support this "great man" and all his potential" I suggest you remove your Obama-colored glasses and ask yourselves – what has he ACTUALLY accomplished? Anything? What are the tangible results of his do-nothing presidency?

Many people dream of peace while few sacrifice anything to make it a reality. Fewer still see their dreams come to fruition. Where is Obama's sacrifice? Where are Obama results? He had been in office for only WEEKS when he was nominated. Was he nominated because of his accompliments or because the Nobel committee is self-admittedly slanted far-left and they rejoice knowing that this brings the United States of America just one more step closer to their socialist "utopia"?

This award is actually the perfect commentary on Obama – an award of entitlement rather than something earned. There was a time in this country when success and recognition for accomplishments had to be EARNED through hard work and sacrifice. Obama has apparently changed that – now it's apparently enough to pretend to greatness...

I think it's somewhat ridiculous that President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. I'm not saying that he may one day deserve to win it but to give it to him for being "inspiring" is just ludicrous.
Especially when you look at the fact that many were not inspired or hopeful when President Obama was elected, but weary of a President who promised sweeping change.
Well so far plenty of Americans have seemed to suddenly disagree with what they thought would be changes for the best.
Many people seem to think that everyone in America voted for Obama, when the popular vote wasn't even near a landslide victory.

PS Audrey- it is the peoples RESPONSIBILITY to be critical of the President. Democrats did it with President Bush. If the people feel any politician is not enacting the will of the people our government depends on us letting them know. This is the only way Democracy works.

I have nothing against President Obama...... Congrats to him, but what did he do to deserve it??

With this political statement, the Nobel committee greatly reduced the significance of the lifetime achievements of past Nobel Peace Prize winners and lowered the standards for future winners.

This is a joke. At this point in his presidency, Obama has accomplished nothing that qualifies him to win a Nobel Peace prize.

Rollins is always on the attack. Can his pieces even be called opinion pieces anymore? Read my lips Rollins, the party you push so hard for FAILED our country MISERABLY (and continues to do so by acting like sore losers). Now its your turn to wait through a couple years with someone else really trying to fix all of our problems.

This is very funny!! I love our President...but cmon we did not see him accomplish anything yet? Nobel Prize winner this is a joke ...I would like to see JOBS in this country...People can have normal life..There is always fear on my mind when i wake up..thinking i might get a pink slip..Businesses are down..there is no control on spending...Stimulus has been joke we dont see any big numbers improvement..

I think he won because the world is so relieved and pleased that the President of the United States wants peace and has promised to work for peace. This is a change from the prior administration. I think his mission won the prize rather than the individual. But, I think our President Obama is very special and will accomplish his objectives and will make huge strides in moving toward a peaceful world.

It's amazing to me that no matter what this man does, it's never good enough. President Obama has reach accross racial, religious and gender boundries in an effort to get all people to look beyond the petty hatred and realize that there is more at stake for HUMANITY if change is not accomplished. People continue to vilify him for nonsense and refuse to acknowledge that what he says makes sense to a certain degree.

What a complete and utter joke. This could just as well have gone to an unborn child for all of their contributions to the world.

The NPP has lost all credibility with this error.

Was Pee Wee Herman unavailable for this???

I'm glad for him, but was very surprised. It's too early to tell if he truly earned it so early into his Presidency. Nonetheless, I'm applaud his efforts in promoting world peace. Congratulations Mr. President.

It's a joke. The Nobel Peace Prize has been a joke for many many years. Arafat won for God's sake.

All this will do is further inflate the unwarranted ego of Obama. He has not yet accomplished ANYTHING. Yet his people will throw it around as if it really means anything. Obama needs to check his massive ego, he doesnt need it inflated further

I think this was way too premature. Being an articulate speaker should warrant nothing without the final results. If you take a look at all of the news in Chicago, gangs, children beaten to death, the background of Community Organizer did nothing to stop these actions. I also believe apologizing for America is not the way to go and sends out weak and mixed messages. President Obama may have good intentions but where are the acomplishments?

Wow, must of been REAL slim pickings this year to award someone just for potentially deserving it in the future, maybe....

Really? This is a joke. You don't earn the Nobel Peace Prize for talking about peace. You earn it by achieving peace. I doubt that will happen in the next 3 years. I hope that is all the time that we have left to endure this travesty of an administration. And for everyone saying that the previous president had such a negative impact on the world, how about we look at the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Apparently, this presidents plans aren't any better than the previous one. There have been more American lives lost since he made the decision to put more troops in Afghanistan. I am not saying that I hate the president, but I do not think that he was a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. Take a look at the past recipients, and look at how their accomplishments stack up to those of Obama. There is no comparison.

The nobel peace prize is more political than I could have ever imagined.

Jimmy Carter
Al Gore
Yasser Arafat

LOL, Obama fits the mold perfectly.

In all seriousness... he hasn't DONE anything except talk. Really, a few speeches and many more promises. That's it. I'm pretty sure there are plenty of others in the pool of nominees that have accomplished more in the way towards peace.

If they want to give him the award, they could should have the decency to wait a few years to see how his promises play out.

This award is an absolutely disgrace. The deadline for submissions was two weeks after he took office. He did nothing, has done nothiing and was given the award on hope. That's no better than any Miss America stating she's worked for world peace!! He's been nothing but an apologist for the Leftist Socialist and can be compared to the UK's Chamberlain. The awards committee struggled with "hope" rather than concrete evidence that was the hallmark for this PEACE PRIZE. Just goes to show they give it to anyone.

What is next? After Carter and now Obama, , you bet the ones they vote are smoking funnny stuff!!!

Our President has accomplished nothing yet, which is not to say that someday he will and should then have won.

I would like to know about the other nominees and their ACCOMPLISHMENTS. I think the award going to any American is good for us on the international stage, but put things in perspective - his nomination came within days of taking office. Talk is nice, but cheap. Time will tell if President Obama actually accomplishes anything. And tell me again which of our last presidents haven't sought peace, even if only by mere words?

Why is it just the GOP who are "nay sayers?" If Dems disagree they're not nay sayers? Get off your soap box...people and politicians like YOU are part of the problem.

So, nothing close to congrats or a pat on the back?? Do some people hold this president to such a high bar that his accomplishments are met with so much scrutiny. "How dare they give OUR President the award?"
At this rate what will happen if he creates jobs and fixes the economy? Will that seem like a mistake or be met by dissappointment from these privleged media proclaimed experts??

He absolutely , posit.vly,definetly does not deserve the prize, the Noble committee made a full otf themselves..How could a person who was in the office for 10 days deseve thhhhhhhhhhe noble prize?

October 9th, 2009 10:07 am ET

I didn’t know that the Nobel Peace prize is given out first with the expectation that the recipient will “earn” it afterwards. Are you serious?

RE: Exactly. ONLY in America would its own citizens complain about THEIR own President winning the Nobel Peace prize. What the hell is wrong with America???

I want to say first off that I'm a BIG supporter of Obama, but I do think it's a little premature to give him this Nobel Peace Prize while we are still in Iraq and debating our role in Afghanistan. I think that perhaps once we solved those problems, as well as healed our relationship in some way with Iran, THEN that would be an accomplishment worthy of the prize. Thusfar, Obama has proven to inspire hope in people, but hasn't shown to do as much in action.

I have never won an award first, and then had to EARN it. To me, that is a farce to the award, and a huge smack in the face of the people who actually ACCOMPLISHED their goals that made them a candidate for the award.

There have always been nay sayers in politics, and our country has still succeeded for over 200 yrs. It's always funny to me that those who voted the sitting presidents in are always quick to say "stop talking bad about our president, support our president", but they never mention any of the negative comments that the sitting party/president has said about the former party/president. Fortunately we live in a country where that is OK – we're free to speak our minds!

Still, God bless the USA, even though I don't think Obama has earned this award!

One more thing to make America look like a joke to the rest of the world. Win something that you don't deserve because you have done nothing. Go make some gun powder or something. Gore gets one for what? The weather. This is the same problem that we are having with our kids in America. Just give them something that they do not deserve to make them "feel" good. Another big joke that is taking this country down. The rest of the world see us as the decline of Rome and it makes me sick. We gone from being strong to weak and our leaders just like with Rome are taking us on the path of no return.

Let President Obama do something about my human rights violation here in America.

What did he win it based on? This degrades the stature of a Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama has accomplished nothing! What a sham!!!!

To me a few speeches here and there and some good intentions don't justify an award that is supposed to be as honored as this one. You can't justify an award like this based off of good intentions, there need to be actions and achievements to back it up. No disrespect to the President but in all honesty he is not ready for this award yet.

I'm not exactly sure what Obama has done to deserve this award. But maybe all his intense effort and dedication to world peace abroad is why he hasn't accomplished anything here in America.

Wow! I am shocked! Can I please have a salary increase and awards for stuff I'm "hoping" to accomplish?

Pres. Obama getting this prize is demeaning to all other Nobel Prize recipients who have worked for years and years to accomplish something tangible and meaningful.

Looks like the entire world is drinking the Kool-Aid!

What noteable peace accord has been acheived? Not one cease fire, more troops to Afghanistan, chaos in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Name on peace deal our President has brokered...you can't. Maybe some day he will be worthy of the prize...just not today.

The Nobel Peace Prize has become a big joke.

First, it's given to someone like Yasser Arafat (as a "bribe") in hopes that he would strengthen the peace process in the Middle East. From the mouth of Arafat himself, he proclaimed on arabic radio that he wanted to annihilate the Jews.

Second, Al Gore gets the prize for what? His initiative on making society more aware of global warming...From a guy who toots his horn about being environmentally green, take this. Al Gore comes in on airplane, has an limo pick him up. About one mile from his speech engagement, he gets in a Toyota Prius and drives to the location. What a joke!

Now, Obama. What next? Last I checked, Santa Claus has provided more peace during Christmas on most people's hearts than most...

Nobel prize period is given to people who have ACCOMPLISHED something throughout their "long career," not based on potential momentum of an individual's early career.

Audrey,

"Support our Country… Support our President… We will succeed. But not with the nay sayers. "

Were you saying that 1, 2, or 4 years ago?

The critics are saying that they don't think Obama deserved this YET. I have to agree with them. He hasn't accomplished much YET...he's only said what he wants to accomplish.

The Nobel Peace prize should only be awarded based on actual achievements, not mere good intentions. I mean, don't all awards in general follow this rule? No organization ever 'awards' people for things they 'may achieve' as opposed to those with an actual track record!

They should have waited for a couple of years before letting Obama win. His win is a BIG slap in the face for people who have worked their entire lives to achieve world peace. And the fact that out of all the qualified nominees including Greg Mortenson, who actually has ALREADY inspired millions with his equal-education stance in the Middle East, the committee UNANIMOUSLY chose Obama!?!?! I'm shocked and appalled by the level of bias. In fact, I would respect Obama more if he graciously rejected the prize to show that he has the sincerity to 'win' the prize again when he actually has the evidence to show for it. But I doubt that someone like him would go to that level, which goes to show that he is and always will be pure words and no action.

So does Obama winning the award devalue it and cause people to not respect any longer similar to what's going on with him being President????
But racism isn't relevant anymore????

I am sorry, but if the President had done something significant in terms of ACTIONS to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize I would feel differently but he has not done anything but give a few speeches. Just like his campaign he made a lot of promises and has not followed through on any of them. I realize he is only 9 months into his presidency, so perhaps if this was a couple of years into his presidency perhaps he would be worthy.

Everybody is suprised at this development (including BO himself), because everyone knows (including BO himself) that he has done nothing to deserve it. Even HE knows that some speeches he gave (which he probably didn't even write) don't rise to the level of "extraordinary efforts" toward anything.

I am truly disgusted.

Who is on the Nobel Peace Prize committee, anyway?

I wonder if the reason why Obama has been playing with the lives of our soildiers and not acting on the request from his General for more soidiers and supplies is because he knew this was in the works and if he gave more troops he would not get the Nobel Peace Prize? This is more than a conspiracy theory. He has wanted everything else instantly and never for any other issue taken this long to make a decision. Even when he did not know the facts on an issue that did not stop him from talking about it so why would it take him so long to make a decision on our troops? The only reason could be he knew he would not get his Peace Prize if he took a stand and acted like a leader

Whats wrong with our country, audrey? MY brothers and sisters, the sons and daughters, moms and dads of our country are still dying everyday fighting this war, making sacrifices, putting their lives on hold...
All i know, is that it makes more sense to give someone an award for something they've already done, not something they plan to do....

i wasn't expecting the nobel peace prize to go to some other us president who spent the last 6 years freeing 25 million people in iraq from the tyranny of saddam hussein or freeing 14 million women in afghanistan from the oppressive rule of the male-centric taliban. of course obama deserves it. because he merely said "i'm not bush"

What other comment could we expect from you, Mr Rollins !!!! . If President Obama were to win an Olimpyc Gold Medal, you would probably find a reason why he would not deserve it.
The President of the United States plays a crucial role in international affairs and for the first time en many decades, we have a President that promotes peace and nuclear dissarmament not just between USA and Russia but with all countries of the world, The rethoric of "evil empire" and "axis of evil" predicated by two previous and known Republican Presidents, never produced nor lead the world to anything positive for world peace , but rather created further divisions , deeper mistrust and breach in communciations with most of the countries around the world.
America must be proud of the great efforts to enhance peace and prosperity President Obama displays in the world context , efforts that we have not seen before exherted by any seating President , that preceded him.
We salute you, President Obama for your magnificent job in this extremely difficult and volatile world arena and for being the recipient of the Peace Nobel Prize, that no Republican colleague of Mr Rollins has ever earned, deserved nor won.

I think this is totally disgraceful.
I agree with Rollins. Watch what he does now. Watch and see what he does with Afghanistan.

The speeches were all anti american – making excuses for what America has done to the 'poor terrorist countries – muslims'

What has he actually done? The SNL skit was right.
Watch and see what happens now.

He does not deserve it. It is appauling what people do.
I can win a Nobel Peace Prize for trying to bring peace in my workplace.

Peace prize for having ideas? I don't know, last time I checked the man has not sign a peace accord, resolved any international conflicts. We get prizes for just being the first blacks to hold high offices now? where do I sign up. I'm not hating at all, look at the resumes of all who have won the peace prize and look at Obama's. that's all I'm saying. Having Ideas about peace and creating peace are two different things.

Snowbama

snowed everyone.

I voted for Obama but the way I see it he's undeserving of this at this point in his presidency. There is 1 reason and 1 reason only for the Norwegians to award Obama the Nobel Peace Prize. They're trying to influence his decision on weather or not to send more troops to Afghanistan. It's called golden handcuffs. All the Europeans want an end to the Afgan war and this is the perfect way to influence Obama to end it. Give him a prize he doesn't deserve which will make him look like a warmonger and a hypocrite to the world if he doesn't do what they want. Period. Why else would they give it to him. He has given a few good speeches, but as far as diplomatic agreements go he's got NOTHING to show for it.

And the guy snubbs the Dalai Lama to kiss the ass of the Chinese government, a government with one of the worst human rights records in history. Yea.... he REALLY deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.....

I'm sure this is just a payoff from his friends in The Bilderberg Group.

10 days work does not an award achieve....unless spending trillions of dollars = peace.

I'm happy to see this award return to America, but NOT at the expense of someone else more deserving. There are several candidates who HAD already earned this award. President Obama has 3+ more years (and possibly 7+ more years) to turn his words into action. But the honest truth is he simply hasn't yet. I pray he does earn it eventually – not only for America and the rest of the world, but for the other candidates who may have been more deserving at this time.

On a side note, Tim Tebow has just been awarded NFL Rookie of the Year for next season based on his potential.

This is absurd. Carter gets the Peace Prize for striking an "Accord". Reagan is passed up even though his peace through strength brings down the Berlin Wall and millions of people gain access to self determination.
Gore gets the Peace Prize for making a movie on climate change and for advocacy...even though he generates one of the largest carbon footprints in the world and his house uses more energy than almost any other in his home state. Bush gets passed by...even though his home in Crawford is one of the most energy and water efficient residences in the world and his legislation created the distribution network that has made Texas the leader in the US for Wind Power (More than double California and the rest of the country will not catch up).

Now Obama gets the prize for "changing the tone" by apologizing for the US, garnering praise from Chavez, Castro and the Libyans...and g promises to make the wold "nuke free". As far as I know, the Chinese, Indians, Pakistanis and Russians have not agreed to this, and our weak stand with Iran is about to set off a nuclear arms race in the mideast ...additionally risking the Israelis having to take matters into their own hands and start a major world war.

I guess the Nobel Peace prize has become a popularity and marketing contest dominated by political agendas...not by accomplishment or any true sense of reality. This is really sad.

ARE WE PRACTICING 'DISCRIMINATION' NOW ON THE COMMENTS PEOPLE SEND IN OR WAS MY COMMENT TO NEGATIVE FOR THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER, PRES OBAMA??? WHERE DID MY COMMENT GO....IN THE TRASH CAN????

I am a fan of Obama, but giving him the Nobel Peace Prize is definitely putting the cart before the horse. Maybe after his presidency…this is pretty wild!

There are obviously no Iraqis or Afghanis on that prize committee. One has to wonder how much of this award is due not to his silly little speeches but about the missile defense system in Norway's part of the world.

Obama's name was thrown into the "Nobel peace prize hat" 12 days after he became president. So in 12 days, the world decided tht Obama had done enough to earn this prize? (albeit through only promises). WOW, not even Jesus could to that, but then again Obama is The Messia. Pretty pretty sad

Congratulations to our President Barack Obama on receiving such a prestigious award. It marks the beginning of international efforts to drag us out of a financial and violent quagmire that's marred our country and world for nearly a decade. Working towards peace is ALWAYS an ongoing task and opportunity. It's such a shame that we can't all be supportive of the vision of peace.

I really view Rollins comments as typical dissent, and although we as Americans are taught to respect dissent presented at the proper time and in the proper format, I know the American people have grown tired of debate and want action. Certainly Obama's actions have merited his winning this award, and everyone is aware that there is still much work to do.

I wonder however, what the dissenting voices have done in their careers in comparison to Obama's. From what I recall, Rollins was the sorry old man who touted John McCain for president, a man who had absolutely NO exit strategy from the unjust war in Iraq.

Congratulations, Rollins. You're nearing Limbaugh territory.

You should have achomplished something for peace in the world to received this award. All Obama has ever accomplished in his life is being elected President. Of course now Obama is in the elustrius ranks of Yassir Arafat, one of the biggest terrorists teh world has ever seen, and of course Al gore, who got the award for producing a documentary filled with lies and over exaggerations.. And who could forget 1939? The year that Hitler invaded Poland and started WWII and the year he started his major euthanasia program, Hitler was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize... Obama defintely deservces to be part of that crowd..

The nobel peace prize is suppose to be awarded for deeds that have been done and accomplished, NOT for thingss thats "maybe" done or not accomplished.

the awards committee that gave the prestigious award to mr. obama for having accomplished nothing, and have tarnished this prestigious award. mr. obama should do the right thing and NOT ACCEPT this award until he has accomplished something worthy of this award.

It's Americans that need to learn something about why he won the award, not him needing to earn it.

Obama is a joke, so is the Nobel Peace Prize if it gives the award to a joke like Obama.

I don't see any accomplishments that would warrant this prize. He has the potential but this is a joke.

Obama has been a great president so far, but I'm not sure he deserves this prize... yet. Only time will tell. As for this group giving the prize to undeserving people, this isn't the first time (Al Gore, 2007).

This is disturbing. Isn't Nobel prize supposed to be for lifelong achievements? This is what the world thinks about Obama:
"He has achieved nothing. He's stumbling. He hasn't achieved any of his promises and nothing is working" from Yet Hisham Qasim, Egyptian democracy and human rights activist. This is only going to cause more world bias against America.
I am happy as an American but very disappointed that seemingly Nobel prize reputation is compromised permanently and tainted by politics. Too bad...

Are you kidding me? Unbelievable!!! When do I get mine? That says everything you need to know about the Nobel Peace prize committee.

I say Obama doesn't deserve it...and I voted for him!

The deadline for nominations was February 1st, 2009. 12 days after Obama was sworn into office. After less than two weeks in office, can anyone clearly show what he had done in order to deserve it? People go on and on about how much he's done, how much he deserves it, but who gets an A for the year at the beginning of school, a promotion after a week on the job? It's not reality and I think the Nobel Peace Prize Committee just left the door wide open for major scrutiny. Who will win next – a first-year college student who 'hopes' to someday become a doctor and cure cancer?

Hmm, it is interesting how a President can order the bombing of another country, kill 40k+ civilians and be given the Nobel Peace Prize. But then again in 1973, Henry Kissinger was given the Prize and look at his involvement in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

Good god , put down the kool aid!! I can't stand it anymore and I am a democrat, or at least I was. He is nothing special folks, just a multi racial man who happened to get scholarships to good schools and be very ambitious. Thats it, nothing more and may I say, SO WHAT?

It is way to early in the the President's term to award him the Nobel Peace Prize. If all the different domestic and foreign policies come to fruition, and betters mankind, then and only then does the President deserve the Nobel Peace Prize. I feel awarding it now is premature.

Peace is not real, is only hope.
And President Obama, is giving the world just that, in such times when half the world is purely ignorant and the other half purely hypocrite.
The Nobel Peace Prize is not like any other Nobel price, for Peace is only relative. you think of peace as middle east, but you forget the african nations, you forget the ethnic conflicts anywhere else, so enough of these american ignorance talk.
President Obama is giving the world hope, and that is the closest humans will ever get to peace. Peace is a dream, a dream worth fighting for and nothing more, for no human can defy EVOLUTION and EVOLUTION is struggle, not peace.
Congratulations President Obama.

Republicans aren't about peace, they're about war, anger, fear, and hate. They promote selfishness like its a good thing.

President Obama did deserve this, just maybe not quite so soon.

@Journey

that's effectively why the committee said they gave the award to him. they gave it as an encouragement.

the implication is that they want him to continue his work toward a defineable accomplishment.

I dont think he should have received this award before he has even had time to prove himself. I think the judge jumped the gun on this because usually its given to people with a proven deed or record of achievement. Just getting into office does not qualify for this.

What is next for the "Messiah"??????
Be elevated to sainthood by the holy father?

I can't believe how far gone the republican party is. Why criticize Obama when he clearly is making moves towards a more globally acceptable America and has made some very significant moves in his first 9 months. I'm sorry that he has had to play the clean up crew for the failure of the Bush administration and continues to do right by the people by righting their wrongs. You want to know why there's an anti-republican vote for the peace prize? Because the GOP has become so ineffective and narrow minded and never thinks globally. Remember when global warming was just a made up political agenda. Stop using your time to be negative and criticize and use it in a forward thinking manor and help Obama succeed.

A President that supports the destruction of innocent human life in the womb does not deserve a peace prize from any organization.

Couple days ago, there was a world poll that indicated the US is the most loved country in the world. Why is that? It's because of Obama. When you are loved, it goes a long way towards peace: for both the world and the president.

Obama has done nothing for this country nor for world peace. He may be a positive thinker, but thinking doesn't get the job done. Action does. You don't award the Super Bowl trophy for what the coach says in the pre-season or how good the roster looks. They actually have to play the game. So far, we aren't even done with the first quarter of Obama's "game" and he's been awarded the trophy. I just wish that people would get the wool out from in front of their face and realize how we are quickly turning into a socialist country and he is taking us down that path.

No one questions Obama's desire for peace. Don't all sane people? What troubles me deeply with this award is that it was given to a person who has been on the world stage for such an incredibly short period of time that he couldn't possibly have had enough of an impact on peace to have earned the award. The Bush administration said to the world, "we are going to be mean." The Obama administration has said for all of nine months "we are going to try to be nicer. " Is that all it takes to get the Nobel Peach prize? I voted for him, but this is absurd.

this just shows, beyond the shadow of a doubt, what a joke this "peace prize" is. this man has done NOTHING to promote peace, except talk about it, just like evry president before him. at least bush tried to protect the world from another 9/11, remember that kids? these radicals don't want peace, they want you to die. republican, democrat, christian, jew, atheist, we're all the same to them. what part of that don't you idiots understand? bush saved your life, and the terrorists feared America. now, they are laughing at us, and our "peace" president. how pathetic.

Translation: "Even though the people who decide whether he has earned it decided that he already has, we (the GOP) are going to pretend that we get to decide and blather on and on about how he hasn't."

Pure, unadulterated idiocy.

I cannot BELIEVE that Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize!! He hasn't done anything except make pretty speeches!! I'm sure there were plenty of other candidates more deserving than him, so this is just wrong.

The Nobel Peace Prize (for those of you who are "just proud an American won it") isn't about nationality. It isn't a football game, a soccer contest, a tennis match. It's about MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE toward world peace. Has Obama done that yet? No. A small difference maybe. But he's got MILES to go before he'll truly be worthy of this prize. I'm actually very ashamed and embarrassed for the Nobel Peace Prize committee. As my sixteen year old son would say, "What were they smoking??"

Hey, Mr. Rollins, I don't see anything on your CV in terms of judging the outcome of peace processes. I see you got a BA in PE and Poli Sci. I know you've worked on republican campaigns; but what relevant creds do you have? None that I can see: so why is CNN even asking you, let alone broadcasting your inadequately informed opinion? Is it to stir up the freeper hate? Honestly, I'm tired of blowhards like you acting as though you have a legitimate take on anything outside of your immediate experience. I'm REALLY TIRED of idiots at "news outlets" using hacks, such as yourself, to frame a debate that is invariably stilted towards right fringe freakos.
CNN, consider yourself relegated to my Fox tier of viewing–as in removed from my channel line-up. I have other, more credible news agencies available.

While I am an Obama supporter, I do feel this award may be a bit premature. To truly appreciate the significance of this award you have to step outside the mindset of an American who in general is very insulated from an ignorant of the world outside the United States. We can read about events and decisions made outside the U.S. but we have very little interaction beyond that. Therefore, it is very hard for Americans to really understand how the United States was perceived by the rest of the world. During the eight years of the past administration the most powerful nation on the planet which has a tremendous amount of influence was basically perceived as an immature bully, with very little understanding of how the international environment had changed. We neglected the use of diplomacy, and made inexcusable blunders for a nation of our status and importance. This award represents the world community acknowledging that sanity, reason, maturity, progress, and intelligence have once again returned to guide the most powerful nation in the world as it navigates the water of international relations.

For a president who is continuing many of Bush's policies, this award makes absolutely no sense.

How is that the "ultra conservative, right-wing nut job" Saturday Night Live made fun of Obama for doing nothing but the Nobel Committee gives him this award? Just like Rollins said he apologized for America, he dishonored our country and all of the veterans who died for our freedom, kissed the asses of brutal dictators and he was rewarded for doing so. This isn't an honor, it's an insult to Americans.

The award is absurd, not just because he hasn't earned it yet but because his weakness, indecisiveness, and naivete will make war MORE not LESS likely in the years ahead. We live in a world of brutal savages (e.g. Muslim jihadists, Hugo Chavez) and cynical opportunists (e.g. Russia, China). You have peace when they're afraid of you, not when they love you, and trying to make them love you, you end up with neither love nor peace.

Since the Nobel Peace prize has become nothing more than a political statement awarded only to liberals for what they "HOPE" to do rather than what they actually accomplish, it seems appropriate that Obama should be recognized because no one on the planet "has" or in fact "needs" more "HOPE" than Obama.

The deadline for submitting nominees for this year’s award was February 1, 2009, a full eleven days after the Obama's inauguration. Eleven days is about the same number of days Obama served in the U.S. Senate before beginning his campaign for president.

The Nobel Committee has acknowledged that this award is presented in the "HOPE" that Obama will accomplish big things on the global stage. Since Obama will become a "Lame Duck" president in the 2010 mid-term elections this award for his "HOPE" will no longer be possible a year from now when the world realizes that hope without actions to back them up are just fantasies.

Congratulations to Mr. Obama. It's interesting that an organization external to the US can see and acknowledge the leadership qualities of our new president, but as usual the Republicans here at home can only cast negativity and criticism. What a classless self-serving lot! But I suppose we should be used to their ridiculousness at this point. Nevertheless, I think it would be nice if we could just have a few days of not hearing from or about them, maybe we could just suspend all of them for a few days, weeks, or months – without pay and certainly without health benefits. A sort of mini deficit reduction effort. They should like it, I know I would.

Yeah George Cook you would agree with a fool wouldn't you. If you can do so much better than this Great Man in the WH where are you? At home on the computer saying nothing, right? You have the qualifications to be a Repudican.

WHY??????????? I don't understand why he won. This totally discredits this organization. The Nobel Peace Prize now means nothing. Did anyone see SNL? Eventhough they were joking, there is the underlying truth that HE HAS DONE NOTHING!!!!!!!!!

As President Obama left the podium, There was a reporter who asked Obama .... "What are you gonna do with the money"

... you have to wonder what's going on in this reporters life to try to squeeze out that question.
You know people who steal always think other people are stealing because they view the world through that lense of what they themselves do.

Theres alot of people that need to fix thier lives out there man.

Keep up the good work Mr. President. You are so strong as I am so sorry for the fearful non-beleivers out there.
Grow some cojones people.

He's not my president. I didn't vote for him. I don't like him. He is beholden to the special interests that got him elected. I HOPE HE FAILS IN MAKING THE UNITED STATES A SOCIALIST COUNTRY. I hope he fails in every policy that he puts forth since they are all bad for our country. He does not love this country. He only sees it as a tool for furthering his true objective, obtaining power and sealing his legacy. Fail, Hussein, fail.

He deserves it and he has it.
Let's continue to stand behind our President.
Thanks.

I think the Nobel prize committee recognizes, and is encouraging, the diplomacy Obama has already accomplished. By reminding America and the world that more, longer lasting peace can be achieved through speaking to our world neighbors, rather than simply invading them, he is giving the peoples of the world a more hopeful place to live.

Americans have given over too much to the idea that accomplishment can only be measured in physical gains of wealth: nations taken, markets infiltrated and general economic dominance.

He was in office 12 days when the deadline for the nominations were closed. This is the biggest joke since Jimmy Carter received the prize.

Congrats to him but really? Has he done anything then constantly campaign? Guess if you go around apologizing for your country you qualify for the peace prize. Very premature, if he had some how gotten an accord signed between Israel and Palestine then I could see him winning it.

I'm curious to see what their judging criteria was...

The peace prize has been a joke ever since it was awarded to Yasser Arafat .

@audrey – The same people that HATED Bush and didn't support him are the same people that don't understand people who criticize and don't support Obama. How many people HATED Bush. Now while I wasn't a big fan of his either, nobody ever made a comment defending Bush.

Outstanding. Well done Mr. President. You absolutely deserved this given what you 've accomplished, which I've listed below...

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Oh wait, can someone help me here? What exactly has he done besides give a good speech – when his teleprompter is working?

What a joke the world has become. Doen't anyone want to work hard anymore to get a trophy. Heck, my kid one zero games in soccer and got a trophy and now the President gets this award for doing the same thing. We're all weak (most of us anyway) and would never have survived 100 years ago. God help us in the next 100 years.

It wasn't just three speeches. It was cancelling the Bush's provocative missile system in the Czech Republic, re-engaging Iran in dialog, winding down our involvement in Iraq, restarting of the US's involvement in enviromental protection and re-establishing the US's adherence to the Geneva accords, winding down Gitmo. The committee is swayed by the powerful using diplomacy before tanks. Imagine that!

Obama must succeed on these fronts and the Republicans finding fault in EVERYTHING he does underminds all of these American goals.

For the first time in my life, I see an unstable America polarized in truly scary ways. 50% of our country fears the government.........

And now.... the Noble Peace Price after 2 weeks in office.

This is a sad, joke.... I mean seriously.....

How long can you vote against Bush before it becomes laughable.

Congratulations Mr. President! It should not matter what political affilation you are with Barack Obama is currently the sitting president of the United States and he won the Nobel Peace Prize and we should be proud and congratulate him for this award and bringing it the Nobel Peace Prize to the United States of American. I am in awe about how "WE" as a country are so negative and just can not congratulate the man and leave it at that. Why are we analyzing why did he get it? The fact of the matter is that he did and other people of different countries and nationalities thought he was deserving of it so that is why they unanimously voted for him. Again, congratulations Mr. President on your award and I look forward to your role in helping create peace in this world.
-A Proud American:-)

Yeah SA World peace something you and Bush can't even pronounce

OK, so if President Obama doesn't deserve this award, can you tell me who else should have received it? And you can only pick one, just like the Nobel Committee.

THANK YOU FOR ADDING MY COMMENT. APPRECIATED.
GEORGE

Without trying to be disrespectful, what has President Obama done? Internationally, he has teamed up with dictators and thugs. He has betrayed Eastern Europe. He has not solved the Cuban prisoner issue, cannot make a decision in Afghanistan, and he has maintained the same policies in Iraq. He is turning a blind eye to Iran's nuclear weapons program. Domestically, it is the same situation or worse. The SNL skit was right to point out his inability to get things done so far. Our deficits and debt have mushroomed under his leadership. I cannot believe people admire his policies at all!

What the hell???????
Personally, all who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan should share in the Nobel Peace Prize...not just one person, and certainly NOT Obama.
I am a lifelong Democrat, and I voted for Obama only because McCain was running against him. Other than the disgraceful GW, Obama has as much presidential experience as a walnut.
I guess people's expectation of real peacemaking efforts have to mirror the desperation of the word around them. Bill Clinton has recently earned more for a peace prize. Shame on the committee. This minority pandering has got to stop.

Obama just won the Nobel Peace Prize but he refused to meet another Nobel Peace Prize winner, the Dalai Lama. Interesting!

Why after all the nay sayers criticising the president, now they want to ostracise him for this honor. This is not just about the president but about the American people getting (it) right for electing him.

Name me one thing he has done to deserve the Nobel! He's made a lot of promises he has not delivered on yet, but no way he deserves this prize yet! The Nobel is running the course of the UN now... Not relevant!

From a historical standpoint: Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Jimmy Carter were rewarded for tangible results. My grandma used to have a saying about "wishing in one hand..." - wishing for change doesn't get it done.

Rollins is correct in his assessment of Reagan. He helped to end communist control of Eastern Europe - but I guess that isn't important; especially to socialist Europeans.

And why do we care what the world thinks of us? I have to allow a woman to cover her head but I can't have a Bible in most Muslim countries. Let me repeat: Why do we care what the world thinks of us?

Finally, could you learn to spell and use correct grammar before you pontificate on the error of republicans and the wonder of President Obama? It tends to weaken your argument.

I think it is great that he got it, but dissagree with him being chosen. The biggest protest on the white house on september 12, 2009 was made. Was that peace? They were all against Obama. Yes he has done some great things, but why wont the main stream media cover the true stories? Why does the mainstream media care about a comedian talking about Obama? Aren't we free to say what we want? I think and it is my opinion that the government needs to take a step back and let us the people take care of the economy. Enough of this keynesian economics.

It's going to look really nice on the mantle next to his Emmy and Oscar. The three speeches don't play a part in this, because the application had to be submitted 11 days into his Presidency. I've got to get app in for next year

Well, I agree that a little effort in the workup would have been great before he was awarded the prize. However, who gives a crap what all of us think. He won it, let it go.

Talk is one thing but what has been accomplished. Talk does not deserve an award, it should have been based on accomplishments of which he doesn't have any yet. This belittle's the award.

I am disappointed in the Nobel committe. This selection has watered down the idea that – "you will be rewarded for work well done". That is the entire premise of the NOBEL PRIZE.

Bill Clinton would have been a better selection.

@ Mike "not like the repubs were about to become respectful and bipartisan anyway." You're killing me. Liberals always let their "truth" light shine. So sad. And that is coming from someone you would insult as a Repub who actually voted for the Big O man. Your thought has nothing to do with the thread. On topic ( take note ) has he done anything to deserve the Nobel PEACE prize? NO. Do they give out Nobel prizes to folks in Physics or Chemistry who THOUGHT about really cool things but never actually DID anything, never actually did the work to prove a theory? NO they DON'T. They don't award you for contributions you "Thought you'd like to make one day": What a joke. It has made the Nobel peace prize a J-O-K-E.

Point of order, to be considered for the 2009 Nobel Prize you had to be nominated by Feb 1 2009. Obama was President less than 30 days at that time!

With that fact can any one please point out what he did to deserve that consideration?

Of course he doesn't deserve it – he hasn't done anything yet! Al Gore didn't deserve it either – he made a documentary – so what? What's going on with this Nobel prize committee? It is not only demeaning all those who have proven themselves 100 times over this presdient, but it demeans the prize itself.

WTF Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize! Don't you actually have to do something great regarding Peace? Maybe its just the prize that comes with the Happy Meal you get at MacDonalds this month.
Mother Teresa is rolling in her grave. Didn't Ronald Reagan bring down the "Wall" and not get the Nobel
Cheers

I should have won the Nobel Prize. I promise to achieve world peace, isn't that enough?
Seriously, are the Nobel Prize committee members expecting that giving the Peace prize to the American president is going to change American foreign politics? I hope not. I hope Obama puts first the interests of the US and then thinks about the world.
Obama is the president of the US, not of the world.

Just another jab at Bush by the elitist world community. It should have been obvious to everyone the NPP is just a political tool when Algore won it for "drawing attention to global warming."

Fret Not Simpletons:

If there had been a 'War Prize'

George Bush would have won after 911

Congratulations Mr President

Can I have some Kool-Aid too, please? This decision is more speculative/political than actual, and, unfortunately, it dilutes the prestige of the Nobel brand. I'm an Independent and, actually, I'm more of a fan than a crtiic of the President, but the order of urgency for pressing issues is #1: the Economy, #2: the Economy; and, #3: the Economy. Health care is interesting but it's not vital at this time. The Economy is our linchpin. Let's fix it before the Chinese and Saudis lose interest and spend their money elsewhere.

It has nothing to do with Republican or Democrat. If wanting world peace qualifies yo for the Nobel peace prize then Every Miss America contestant should have a medal around their neck. Yes, he's offered an Olive branch to Iran (who then proceeded to eat the olive and wipe their asses with the leaves) but we are still in the same place as we were 8 yrs ago. Sending Clinton to North Korea to add legitimacy to the cartoonish dictator has achieved Nuclear dissarmerment! Not. The Nobel peace prize is now on the same level as the MTV Moon Man.

Aside from personal opinion about the President, I thnk the question is- Does a person deserve an award for which he/she has NOT fulfilled the requirements? Look at past winners and compare- there is no comparison. I think people are ignoring whether or not it is deserved- they are focusing on everything else. The point is he won an award that he had only 10 days in the running for- what did he do in those 10 days??

wow! The blind support for Obama receiving this award is incredible! I don't think anyone has said that he's not a noble man, nor has anyone said he might not deserve the award, it boils down to timing in my opinion. I don't think anyone deserves the award for ideologies or wishful thinking, and at this point, that's about all we have from Obama. If that's the measure, then most of us deserve the award as well, for, I think we all want peace in the world, and given the forum, would be happy to discuss it with anyone interested. I think the issue here is there are clearly other candidates who have already done things that have had more effect than 3 speeches that have promoted world peace, and THAT's why I think Obama should not have received the award and someone else should have.

Also, as a side note to everyone who keeps on saying we should just blindly support our president, I'm curious, did you feel that same way when Bush was in office?

When I woke up to the news today, I physically wanted to throw up. It is perfectly clear now that the Nobel Peace Prize is rendered totally irrelevant. It was bad enough that Arafat received one and not Ghandi but this is a complete travesty. It's worse than Catherine Zeta-Jones winning an Oscar. What was the committee thinking ? Not a bad consolation prize for losing the Olympics.

Good Choice! -Yes. Controversial-inevitable. Even Mahatma Gandhi was not rewarded. Hope it bursts some blood vessels of some select few, such as, H-–y , B–k, L--h, and people like them.

Ed Rollins must earn his right to talk to CNN.

Actually Ray, that was OUR REPUBLICAN President. Think of the Bush Administration this way – YOU couldn't find anyone better suited to run this country.

I didn't vote for Obama (and no, I'm not a right-wingnut by any means), but I will support whomever we elect to the Presidency. I do agree that the simple act of electing him to office was an important step toward creating a more positive outlook of America on the world stage.

But any President would be willing to put forth the dedication and resilience toward cleaning up a former administration's mess. That's nothing worthy of a Nobel prize. Don't get me wrong – I think he is an outstanding leader, and I do believe he can be one of the greatest Presidents in our history. But I feel as though he is being held up to MUCH too high a pedestal, given accolades that he is maybe not deserving of at this point. Deep down, I’m sure he feels the same way about the media circus that has surrounded him for so long.

Finally, I agree that he sincerely seems to have the well-being of the American people at heart. However, I don’t see the American people, as a whole, having quite the same regard for their own well-being. It’s going to take more than one man to reverse the damage that we have inflicted upon ourselves.

I think that Mr. Rollins speaks very succinctly and intelligently. Don't criticize him for stating very clearly what many of us are thinking. Obama doesn't deserve this prize at this juncture, and may not at the end of his term (hopefully in 2012!). And besides, he will get a nice chunk of change (about $1 million) to add to the $4 million he is already worth. Maybe he should "spread the wealth" with that money or better yet, apply it to our ever-increasing deficit.

Congratulations to Obama for winning an award he clearly did not deserve. Simply wishing for world peace won't make it happen. We are still at war around the world, other countries (such as China and Russia) are becoming more aggressive toward us and others, Israel is still trying to build settlements and disrupt any hopes of peace talks (Hamas isn't helping either), and the list goes on. I didn't realize this blind infatuation with Obama extended beyond our borders. And, it's funny how to many you must support Obama or else you're a Republican (hence all the evil in the world). We need more healthy skepticism in this country, and apparently in the Nobel Peace Prize committee as well. Let's not give out any awards before the results actually appear.

They just cheapened this award bigtime. I am not an Obama hater, but, what has he done to deserve it? Nothing. Where's the blood, sweat and tears that go along with this award. The change that makes a difference in people's lives? Really disappointed in this award.

Maybe this is Sweden's idea of an April Fool's joke in October. RIDICULOUS!

Given the very politically charged comments I'm reading here, let me disclose this first: I am an independent who voted for Obama. I think we need two parties in the US, and I frankly don't find Rollin's opinions to be "hateful", here or in his writings–I don't always agree with him, but I view him as an asset to the Republican party. He's definitely not in the same league as Rush Limbaugh (fortunately).

I do not find Rollins' words to be hateful here either, but I do view the comments above in this vein as being those of sore winners. I would remind all of you calling Rollins hateful that he has said himself on more than one occasion that he hopes Obama is successful in his presidency for the sake of America.

I agree with Rollins here. Yes, the G.W. Bush presidency was a disaster. I applaud Obama in his reaching out to other nations, and I congratulate him for winning the prize, but he has at least three more years left in office, and there is much more to be done.

Ed Rollins? Really? Ed Rollins is pontificating that Barack Obama doesn't deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? Wow. I guess Ed is better versed in his own greatness than I am. I thought he was just a bloviating pundit. But apparently he is a moral and intellectual titan who can say Obama doesn't deserve this prize. Who knew?! By the way, Ed, Republicans don't get the Nobel Peace Prize for one very good reason–they think America should rule the world and they are enamored of war.

I agree with lastexposfan and since we are in the mood of giving award for trying lets also give him an honorary Oscar award. Whatever!!!!!

The logic that is applied to Obama's winning the Nobel Peace Prize is the same logic behind awarding an Oscar to a movie still in production. It's the same logic in awarding a grammy to a song that isn't out of the studio. It's the same logic for giving any sports team in the middle of its regular season the coveted championship title.

For many people, giving awards under those conditions is ludicrous. I'm aghast as to why it's acceptable in this circumstance.

Folks,
I love our president, Barrack Obama. I love Michelle Obama even more, but what exactly has Obama done to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? Let's be fair about this. He hasn't accomplished anything. If he won the Nobel Peace Prize just for not being George W. Bush, then we all deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.... Where is mine...GD IT (?

Had MLK brokered the end of segregation/racism/the Civil Rights Act when he won the NPP? No he set the stage, shifted ideas, dared to touch on complex issues affecting our society, raising awareness. You don't get the award for checking complete off the list, the iniaitive to move is awarded. People complianed with MLK got it and said he has not completed the course (we were still in turmoil). MLK moved us closer to the starting line, we are still running the race. Obama has helped line us up on the starting line to improve international relations, end Nuclear proliferation, broker peace, calm the heated rhetoric. He deserves the award for setting the stage just as MLK did with Civil Rights...

Ed Rollins, If you want to be taken seriously, then make some comments that do not show partisan ship.
You should be proud that an American won this pretigious award/prize.
We Canadians would be so proud of such an acheivement regardless of political affiliation.

WHAT A JOKE!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS. MY GRANDMA HAS DONE MORE THAN THIS CLOWN!! I CAN'T BELIEVE I ACTUALLY VOTED FOR THIS GUY. OBVIOUSLY, UNLIKE THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HIS TEAM WAS ACTUALLY ABLE TO CONVINCE THE NOBEL PEACE COMMITTEE TO GIVE HIM THE AWARD.

Ed,
The Nobel commitee has said that he already has earned it.

Obama wins a Nobel prize (as did Yasir Arafat).

Milly Vanilly won a Grammy.

And people wonder why both are considered "jokes" of the international awards.

Probably those critizing Obama's award, would be very happy if the Nobel would have been awarded to George Bush or Halliburton, sorry I mean Dick Cheney

Speeches are not results. Ghandi produced reults, MLK produced results, Mother Theresa actually did things to help people. Obama should not be in their company at this point. Obama has made some pretty speeches, but Iran and North Korea are still developing weapons and testing missles. Afghanistan has become a mess and Obama doesn;t seem to have a clue as to what to do.
I know you libs would love Obama if he was caught drowing kittens, but he hasnt earned this yet. for you to say he has shows how close minded you all are

From what I've seen of both sides of the argument, I believe the committee jumped the gun on this one.
President Obama has not even been in office for a year. While I admire his vision and hope, I believe it is too early to tell whether he is really worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. I agree with Rollins in that Obama now must earn this honor. And I'm not saying he won't. If President Obama sticks to his plan of diplomacy, I believe he can make a great contribution. The problem is, it's too early to tell.

Also, I just want to say that disagreeing with the decision to give Obama the Nobel Prize DOES NOT mean that I do not support our president. He is the leader of our country and, as such, deserves respect. I may not agree with some of his policies, but I do not believe disagreeing harms our country. In fact, different opinions and views aid in the edification of individuals and our nation as a whole.

Well I want peace too.. I havent done anything about it but I want it. Do I get the Nobel Peace Prize a long with a 1.5 million dollar prize?

People, I am not here to argue about whether or not Obama is a good President. Though the Nobel Peace Prizes prestige has just been lowered not only in America but the entire world. You have to understand people everywhere in the world are wondering why their Country's candidate did not win when they actually DID something. All of them WANT peace just like Obama. I think the majority of Presidents of the US WANTED peace, though only one 2 sitting Presidents ever received it. Guess what, it was for things that had DONE, not wanted.

If they gave this award to Obama, then he deserved it. Fortunately, no one asked the Republicans or the Taliban to be a part of the voting committee for the Nobel Peace prize, and rightfully so, because they both hate America and it's goverment. And they have no desire for peace.

The Nobel Committee has awarded this prize to Obama as a final slap at George Bush just as the head of the Nobel Committee previously publicly acknowledged that that the award to Jimmy Carter in 2002 was intended to be a "Kick in the shin" to George Bush rather than a acknowledgment that Carter never accomplished anything beyond lighting the fuse in Islamic Extremism and establishing the west as the target for terrorists for the next 50 years.

Similarly the Nobel Committee acknowledged that the prize awarded to Al Gore for his fairy tale about Global Warming, a term which incidentally we're supposed to replace with Climate Change since everyone including tree hugging liberals have been forced to accept as fantasy, was in fact awarded in hopes it would upset George Bush.

Please keep in mind that the Nobel Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, a socialist country which "Rolled Over and Played Dead" for Hitler even faster than France.

Congratulations to the President lets list his achievements that contributed to him winning this award. Voted, against the troop surge in Iraq, which if this would have been carried out would have resulted in a failed state in Iraq. Does not support a surge in Afghanistan, which under his presidency has had more casualties then the last seven years combined. Makes negative comments to the international community about the United States and receives praise from Venezuela, N. Korea and Iran. Passes the stimulus bill which has resulted in higher unemployment from 8% to 9.8%. And his approval rating has dropped in the first year faster then George W. Bush. Finally coming soon Gitmo prisoners to a neighborhood near you. If the past winners are a measure of the award Al Gore, Arafat and Carter; Obama is in good company.

Lets see,

The nomination for the Nobel Peace prize was due 2 weeks after Obama took the office. At this point he only gave speech in Germany. So essentially this award was based on first 2 weeks of Obama presidency. What did he do during first 2 weeks to earn Noble peace prize???

I am a conservative, but I would even object to this award being given to a new Republican president. The world is judging him based only on retoric and speeches. The Nobel committee is making a political statement that will now influence our president's national security decisions. They shrewdly awarded him this prize, fully knowing that he will now feel obligated to live up to the ideals behind it. Its all about politics and influence, which is a topic that our president understands all too well.

Congratulations to Obama. The first recipient of the Nobel Prize for Oratory.

I use to have a great respect for the peace prize and the people who were awarded it. Previous winners Nelson Mandela, Albert Schweitzer, Martin Luther King were great examples of people who really put their heart and soles into peace and freedom and worked very hard for many years to bring it about.

Al Gore made millions and millions of dollars presenting Gobal Warming videos. It is how he made his living, not what he felt in his heart. It wasn't until people were outraged at his home personal electric bills and how long the outside lights stay on, etc. and the large vehicles he drives that he modified his home to appear more "green." His heart is not in it – only his wallet is. , President Carter is one of the worst presidents America has endured.

President Obama spent the two previous years on the campaign trail (not earning the prize) and before that he spent his two years as a junior senator preparing to enter the campaign trail and would show up for only a few sessions of Congress and when he did show up he did not take a stand on anything. He voted "Present." (He was not earning the prize).

So, the 11th day of his Presidency was the DEADLINE for the nominations for the Peace Prize. Just what did he do in only 11 days that other people have spent so many years doing earning the right to the Peace Prize? You can't count his trips to Europe, etc. because the 11th day of his Presidency was the Cutoff. He hasn't accomplished anything – yet, except he has bankrupted our beautiful country and hesitates to give our troops the support they need to stay alive.

I have lost all respect for the prize now and what it stood for before Gore, Carter and now Obama received it. Everything is all politics and I guess we just have to live with that reality. Sad, so very, very sad. It is all a joke.

If you haters are so angry about the accomplishment this President has made in 9 months versus 8 years, then you are really living under a Bush rock. Bush never once spoke to anyone with a kind word except war and oil. Now you Republicans needs to know that this country is not build on you guy but of people who wants to be glad and proud of the United States of America, We have soldiers going to war and don't know if they are coming back home or not. and the Republican have the nerve to critize. Why don't all you Republicans go war and see what these soldier feel and how their families live on hard times trying to cope with that war smear fear. Why Republicans because you all don't give a dam.

OKAY, I KNEW WHEN I SAW THIS BREAKING NEWS THIS MORNING THAT THE HATERS WOULD START BLOGGING AGAIN.

CONGRATULATION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

ENOUGH SAID.

Big ups for our elected, by the people, President Barack Obama, who is descent for greatness. No matter how his own country men try to foil his attempts to do right by the people and to bring about change, change for the better, change for the good of all nations. Barack Obama is far beyond the mere logic of his green eye critics and the republican party, of whom, should be sighted for treason. They want Obama to fail even if it means America falls. Obama is the plan of the Unseen. Obama will succeed. If Obama presidency is successful, America will prevail and the world will be better for it and God will get the glory!

i think the international community is playing him like a stradavarius.,setting him up to back off on afghanistan, offer less support to israel and allowing the iranians to go on their murderous course with obama thinking that he is the god of peace. gimme a break people, this emperor has no clothes and if he did he would be an empty suit. this is not black white, this an egomaniac narcissist who will go be seen as possibly the worst president we have ever had, or the one that caused the demise of the united states. read machievelli, read any ancient greek, or latin drama, this is the classic set up, and we dont see it , then i guess you will all be happy as something other than americans.

Again: Let President Obama do something about my human rights violation here in America. Let's see what does a HRV consists of; cruel and brutal treatment by a civil servant, unethical guilty verdict with no evidence and failure in government oversight to do anything about it.

We just spent 8 years with a president whose hawkish "act first, think second" approach cost us thousands of lives and billions and billions of dollars, not to mention our reputation in the world. His claim of "mission accomplished" in the war on rings hollow eight years after the invasion of Afghanistan.
Now we have a president who thinks before acting, who can actually think on his feet, who can apply what we learned from the failures of war with no exit strategy, who is gaining the respect (and not disdain) of allies around the world, and who will not back down from the challenges before him.
I don't know if nine months in office qualifies any president for such a prestigious award, but under his leadership I like our prospects of keeping the peace and staying safe and secure, unlike his predecessor who thrived on governing through fear, and look where that got us.

i have NO idea why he was even in the running????????! Wait till he sends more troups to afghanistan..that will send some shock waves up someones backside!!!! id love to see that ballot results! who was he up against? cher? brett farv?

MONTANA, I'll say it AGAIN. Greg Mortenson. Look him up, and then explain to me what President Obama has done better than he.

For goodness's sake people, THINK FOR YOURSELVES! Stop parroting partisan liberal lines and actually READ. You're outing yourselves as the fools you are.

For those of you that say Obama does not deserve this award, he is trying make the world a better, safer and more fair place. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? I'll answer for you COMPLAIN.

Hey Audrey!

Why doesn't this man and the Dems support this country instead of telling us how bad we are! Why do they have to change everything ALL AT ONCE, and WHY do they say we are transparent and inclusive when the exact opposite is true? People are upset because hard work and accomplishment have been thrown out the window! People, including the President, are given credit and MONEY for doing NOTHING!

I keep hearing the President speak of the values of this country; my question is who's values? It appears that the TRUE VALUES and Foundation of this country has been forgotten. The debt is so high, division in this country is so great, and the world considers this man a coward. America needs to catch up with those million people that marched on Washington, the millions of people who nobody hears of.

We can't negotiate with terrorists, keep spending money we don't have(stimulus did nothing to help economy), or destroy an entire health care system to cover 10%. Enough is enough!!!

This award says the wrong thing...it doesn't represent what it is intended to represent! Symbolism over substance AGAIN!!!

How's that Audrey!

As Americans, I think we have a very distorted view of just how important we are to the rest of the free world. After the last 8 years of Bush/Cheney I'm not really all that surprised that the NP panel would unanimously vote to award President Obama the prize. As a superpower, our former stance of "you're either with us or against us" was cause for much uneasiness and tension around the world. The world, I think, watched and breathed a sigh of relief when Obama took the stage and offered...hope. A person that can accomplish (yes I said accomplish) a feat like that in the opinion of the panel deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.

How can you win a PEACE Prize if you currently have troops oversea's fighting? Nobel Peace Prize FAIL

The real issue to me is not whether or not President Obama deserved the award. The real issue is how the Nobel Committee can say he deserved the award after only 12 days in office. Nobel Peace Prizes should be awarded based on what someone has actually done to spread peace in the world. In 12 days as president, what had Mr. Obama done that was worthy of winning one of the most prestigious awards in the world? One day, Mr. Obama may do something worthy of winning the Nobel Peace Prize, but to suggest that he had done something between January 20 and February 1 (the nomination deadline) that was deserving of the prize is laughable at best.

Well, I guess a one-term president deserves at least one award if not winning a second term.

I am proud of our President. He has attempted to create an open, honest dialogue with people all over the world. His speech this morning reflects that commitment. He was humble, articulate and honest in his acceptence. No grandstanding, no arrogance. He did not ask for the award, but he sure deserves it. Why not be proud? Why make it a political war with comparisons? Be a proud American.
President Obama, Thank you for you hard work.

A. Rice
Arlington, VA

I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes
I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed–

I, too, am America.

Congrats to the President and to America! I am proud to sing America today!

I am unaware that President Obama has done anything to have earned or deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. Typically, you have to do something in order to earn a Nobel Peace Prize. What successful action has taken place big enough to say, "President Obama has made a notch or difference in a big way concerning peace"? Speeches do not count. Actions speak louder than words. When an action occurs of such that it can be considered to be worthy of President Obama to accept a Nobel Peace Prize, then by all means I hope he accepts one. But at this time, he has not properly earned one.

Just imagine what Rollins would be saying if Obama had NOT won.
I think the message from the Nobel people is that there is a great need for peace promoters who have significant global relevance, the president of the US being one of less than a handful of humans that fit that description. As for the president's role as Commander in Chief, it's always been known that great victories may be achieved without spilling blood, through diplomacy and maneuvering. They are just harder to recognize (Didn't Reagan win the Cold War that way?).

Normally individuals receive awards for their outstanding accomplishments, not their potential.

raf

I am no GW Bush fan, nor a huge Obama fan. I walk the middle, a centrist an independant, so when I say this seems way premature both parties should listen. Independants are the new party like it or not. And fact is that if Obama could get it already for the small amount he has done and the rest he "intends" to do then why does GW Bush not have one for all the aid he sent Africa?????? He did more aid work in Africa than any other American President and that is a fact. Hell Bono even applauds that aspect of the man. This is a glaring mis step by the Nobel team. I think they just nullified the significance of their own award. I think the Bush africa oversite is proof positive of them being anti Republican/ anti Bush.

I like the guy I just don’t want to see his presidency diminish by an "affirmative action mind set" by our national and the international community. I want him to go down in history as the best president ever but he must earn it by his accomplishments and not by emotions, feelings, and hand outs. We don’t want him to become complacent while in office .

Ed Rollins is just another predictable GOP hack.

Rollins ignores the President's singular accomplishment, one that few others could have achieved to such a degree.

He has turned us away from the arrogance and the violence of the previous Administration. He has rescued American influence and our leadership role in the struggle for world peace.

If he does nothing more on the international stage, he has done enough to merit the prize.

"You usually get recognized at the end of some major accomplishment. I think three speeches are a start from his perspective. And I want to congratulate him. I’m always for Americans winning, whether it’s golf, tennis, or the international stage."

Americans for proseprity, Beckians, and Limbaughians take note. This is how you disagree with the president and still be patriotic. It is good when America wins prestige, period.

Since Ed Rollins is a CNN contributor, why doesn't he go meet with members of the Nobel commitee and tape the interviews?

Then he'll understand how one wins it, and he can share his enlightenment with the rest of us.

Why is it always a Republican/ Democrat battle? I thnk almost everyone that commented talked about nothing at all to do with the point! Distract and attack- at least we can tell which of the commentors did vote for Obama.. The debate is Did Obama Deserve It? NOT do we like him?

Brandon in Dallas October 9th, 2009 10:40 am ET

I’m thinking about inventing a teleporter this year. I’ve never invented anything before, but I’ve talked with a few of my friends about it and they are SUPER stoked. I’ll go ahead and have that Nobel Prize in Physics so that I can continue my work. Thanks!
-----------
Great stuff! I needed another good laugh to go along with this "historical" day! I have to admit... Obama being given the Nobel Peace Prize was a good joke – but your joke was better! Great job!

Awarding this Nobel Peace Prize for what they hope Obama can accomplish in the future or wishes to do is a slap in the face to all other nominees who have actually been doing something, some for years and years. I will congratulate him on his win but find that those using it now as a tool against anyone, especially republicans,who feels the ideals of this prize have been compromised are showing that your adoration of Obama and his ideals is not being displayed in your actions or words. You may be happy people of the opposing party are reticent of this award and you now have something else to beat them up with, so does that mean you are happy about the award and what it stands for or just that he got the award and it is another tool in your arsenal now to speak constant negativity of anyone who does not agree with his policies 100 percent?

This almost seems like Obama's hand is being forced to deal w/ issues like Afghanistan, Iran, Gaza, and other "hot spots" thru peaceable means only or stand to look like a hypocrit. This definitely was political in nature and not based in merit, unless hope & intention are factored in?!?

This is even more laughable than the prize awarded to Carter or Gore.
Perhaps they should make public thier criteria: 1. Democrat 2. Hates America 3. Avowed socialist. They could nominate Bill Ayers or Charlie Manson next time.

really who cares of such a thing. does a president really need an award? Let's get on doing some good for the people. Honeymoon is over and now it is time for him to be a president that makes the tough choices and not care about being on TV or in the spotlight.

For eight years republicans had to put up with the more conscientious Americans belittling their president. Now, just like the immature little cry babies they are, they want revenge. So they point and complain about how Obama is ruining this country. At the same time they complain he is doing nothing. Which is it exactly? Is he doing nothing or is ruining the country?

Does Obama deserve this award for his actions? Probably not.

Has Obama made a difference in the world view of America? Absolutely.

Should we as American's be proud of this? Yes

Do republicans get a say in anything? No absolutely not, because you didn't win the election did you? You can just sit there and cry about it for at least 4 years hopefully 8.

He joins the illustrious role of past winners, like Yasser Arafat, who planned and ordered the Munich Massacre at the 1972 Olympics. Or RIGOBERTA MENCHU TUM, Guatemala. She is the notorious Guatemalan faker and author, sort of, of I, Rigoberta Menchu. Like President Obama, she is a memoirist of distinction. Lying about her background, and life. Or MOHAMED ELBARADEI (UN Nuclear Weapons Watchdog) (joint winner). He's done such a nice job with Iran. Or KOFI ANNAN, United Nations Secretary General. Among other things, they respectively served as the vehicle for, and presided over, one of the biggest scams (Oil for Food) in history. And stood idly by while hundreds of thousands were murdered in Rwanda. Or BETTY WILLIAMS, United Kingdom, founder of the Northern Ireland Peace Movement (later renamed Community of Peace People), who in later years repeatedly called for the assassination of President George Bush. How peaceful can you get? Nice company there, Mr. President. Let's also not forget, the nominations closed ELEVEN days after he took office. Wow. Nice work.

“Life is full of ironies, if you’re stupid”

– P.J. O’Rourke

why should i listen to someone who has a biased opinion? why don't you ask someone who isn't a republican?!

Obama got the Nobel because he is president of the country with more stupid citizens than any other country...obviously that is the reason...simply look at these posts. They recognize the impossible task he has of leading this group of total idiots. I for one, am proud to be an American today. We are recognized for attemping to change our past.

I believe Obama really does have World Peace at heart and is doing some good things that way.

But the Peace Prize (and all Nobel Prizes) are suppose to reward real results. Now, it could turn out that what he is planning on will result in some major World Peace milestones in which case he should get the prize, but it could also turn out that what he's doing has some yet unknown consequences or possibly just leave things the way they are. We are still in the hypothesis/experiment phases.

If the Peace Prize was based on world perception of good intentions then yes he would win, but I think we need to wait to see the actual results. I'd hate to think that he would do something actually world changing that cries for Peace Prize but is now marganlized by him receiving it already when he has yet to get really rolling.

He already received it. They don't give out first place ribbons BEFORE the race and hope you earn it.

Let's count how many Republican Americans have recieved the Nobel peace prize. Which I've listed below:
1.
2.
3.

Let me see if I understand all this. To win a Nobel Prize requires good intentions and a disdain for Bush policies. So here goes:

As a physician, I am outraged by Bush-Cheney policies that contributed to increased pollution, with a secondary increase in the cancer rate. Therefore, I am announcing my intention to cure cancer during the next decade. I assume the Nobel committee will not find it necessary to delay the award until I accomplish my goal. Thanks in advance to the Nobel voters.

First off congrats to the President for winning, but what did you win for? all the things you've yet to make a decision on? Your 9 long months of hard work to bring peace to the world and stop wars? The standard line from the WH is that they are getting to things but the plate is full...well it's time to start chewing guys. I agree that an american president deserved this award. Bill clinton would have been appropriate but handing the award to our current president makes as much sense as giving it to our last president.

This award may be a bit premature. Obama gets a solid grade 'A' for his international policy and initiatives so far, but it will take time to see what the results of those actions are.

On the other hand, this award can only be a positive thing for our country's continued leadership on the international stage. This award is a sign that the world still looks to us for leadership, and very much hopes that we will take the initiative in promoting peace and security worldwide. I hope that we as Americans will recognize this, and will humbly and gracefully embrace this award and all of it's implications.

Ed Rollins, I used to have respect for you as a pundit. You disappoint me.

Not surprising at all that the Leftists who hand out this joke of an award selected Obama, and that the clueless sheep who worship at his feet are euphoric. Their collective understanding of the world's realities is as vacuous as Obama's rhetoric.

It didn't take but reading a couple comments before finding a silly one, so I'll stop at this: "He brought Peace to the world because he replaced Bush."

There are no more or no less war's in the world since Obama has been president, including those involving the US, and nothing he is doing seems likely to change that "ever" during his presidency.

Apparently, the peace prize is about what people are hoping you think, not what you actually do.

Man, there is more OUTRAGE on the internet about Obama winning the prize then there was when Arafat was a co-winner back in '94.

Rather than supporting Obama and coming together to help him push for nuclear disarmament and international cooperation, we're debating whether or not he deserves the award in the first place.

The rest of the world must think that the US is still a nation of retards.

To Brent,
I can understand why people call this award premature. But for people to criticize him as a know nothing done nothing awardee simply underestimate the global political climate prior to his leadership. We went from a world of dangerously contentious political stand-offs and factions all with an emphasis on anti-American sentiment to a swift change for the better. In 9months (since you all like to toss that number around as evidence he is unworthy) he has changed the geopolitical landscape completely with his vision and direction and has foreign world leaders falling over themselves trying to show their support. America has gone from global pariah to global leader again, but on a platform of peace, hope and inclusion. Has he achieved these things yet? No, of course not. But what he HAS achieved is a unified vision that these things are possible and more importantly that America is ready to set the pace and world leaders are ready to follow. If you think that is "nothing", you are simply looking for reasons to hate Obama, or you are an idiot. Likely both.

What a surprise. I think his speech writer should have been nominated. I think our entire world is going mad.

I am happy that an american has won the prize. I am rather surprised by the choice. Not that Obama is a bad choice just pre-mature. The nominations were due Feb 1st. He had only been president for 12 days. He hasn't done I feel as much as like Bill Clinton who has raise a ton of money around the world for humanity. Al gore won it in helping not only produce a film on climate change but raising awarness and money to fight the cause. Like I said I am glad that an american has won it, but this appears to be polically driven rather then based on accomplishments. Obama was surprised himself. I have to say that this just feeds into the GOP of "what has he done." While he is attempting to do much, I left wondering just what did he do in just 12 days to deserve this?

Love seeing the comments that the rest of the world thinks he deserves the award ... obviously not reading the international blogs ... check them out ... people around the world realize that he doesn't deserve anything for 2 weeks in office ... how embarrassing

I am glad the Obama won the prize instead of other anti-China junks, such as Rebiya.

Once again, the Nobel Peace Prize committee perpetrates another sham by awarding its prize to a President who has done exactly SQUAT to achieve World Peace. The award is meaningless and as yet unjustifiable. We are still at war in Afghanistan, not yet out of Iraq, unable to solve the Iran and North Korea issues, and show no signs of making progress in resolving the Israeli-Arab impasse. Yet, to simply send a message and perhaps influence Obama's decision on sending more troops to Afghanistan, it cheapens the award into yet another political ploy. ..And, WILFREDO, your comment about Reagan is retarded. Reagan was the key transformational figure of the 20th Century (since FDR) who ended the Cold War, freeing upwards of 150 million people from Communist tyranny. His actions in Central America were a part of ending that tyranny – fighting Cuban and Soviet belligerents and freeing more people. Also, in '88, Reagan WAS nominated but it was given to Gorbachev instead because Oslo "did not want to influence the US presidential process" (election). Once again, yet another politically-motivated slap at a Conservative (and one of our greatest) Presidents for not thinking like a European Liberal. What a Pathetic Sham.

Why does CNN put new posts at the bottom of their page, rather than at the top? I guess it is like their reporting... usually upside down when it comes to reality.

Please change this policy... oh, and while you are at why not go ahead and change your complete philosophy? I know, I know – I'm dreamin'.

I guess the criteria for the Noble Prize has just changed, you need to do nothing to qualify. The "Rock Star" continues to defy the odds. Guess they felt sorry about the Olympics. Maybe he should donate the prize money towards the stimulous since he didn't have to print the 1.6 million himself. Hope you enjoy your skewed win. Now do something positive with it, like donate it to the family whose child was beaten to death in your home town, or where ever the hell your from!!!

I hope he fails

All HOPE and no SHOW. Good intentions can only get you so far. Apparently the world has run short of nominees that actually effect change. The Nobel Peace Prize and the entire Nobel organization has lost credibility.

President Obama didn't ask for this, he didn't butter up any committee members, he didn't even know he was in contention. Why are we "blaming" him for the award, and saying he now has to earn it? I do think it's a bit bizarre, frankly, but it's not the President's fault. If you want to hassle someone, start with the Nobel peace prize committee, who have a history of bizarre awardings.

Anyone read these posts, besides myself, and just wonder what's happening to us as a country? Such anger. Such frustration. Such division. I too am surprised by this decision, but I'm happy and proud that he has been selected. Was it premature? Perhaps, but he has at least made attempts to close Guantanamo Bay, end torture as an acceptable interrogation practice, reduce troop levels in Iraq, and attempt to engage countries diplomatically even with those we don't get along with all that well. I would say that is a lot more than just "a few speeches." Unfortunately, we're going to miss out on the joy of this moment because we're just too blind to see what's really important.

Some of Obama's opponents are saying "it's too early" or "he hasn't done enough".

- Actually, he did enough when he did not descend to the level of his opponents when those opponents trotted out swift boat attacks on his character and background.

- He did enough when he turned raciaI attacks against his church into the greatest speech on race relations since MLK.

- He did enough when he travelled the world to promote peace, all the while taking flack from opponents who loathe "apologies".

- He did enough by creating one of the most inclusive inaugurations, and presidencies, in history.

- He did enough by continually inviting his opponents to the table, never once saying "it's my way or the highway".

- He did enough by accepting criticism, often faIse criticism, like no leader in recent memory.

Sure there is more to do, the Nobel Prize is not a lifetime achievement award" or an award for the world leader who get the most bills passed in the US Congress. This recognition was not about some theoretical checklist that naysayers would impose. It is about commitment to peaceful diplomacy and steadiness in a world leader, a rare trait indeed.

The Nobel Peace Prize is given "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."
I believe President Obama is well on his way to fulfilling the Nobel Peace Prize statement, but due to the fact that February was the nomination deadline, I do wonder about the panel's intentions. I think they are nudging, no, forcing the President to really find a way to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think they are also hoping that he finally ends America's bullying of other countries. I think it's their way of saying "We know you're on your way, but speed it up."
Also, it would be rude of him and a slap in the face of world unity if he were to return it.
Congratulations Mr. President. Keep up the good work and please, BRING OUR TROOPS HOME. And keep them out of countries they don't belong in!

Congratulations to Presidnet Obama. Now, can you please get some things done for ordinary Americans here at home? Creat well paying jobs, repair the crumbling infrastructure and get the economy back on its feet?

It is a shame that the Republican Party will denigrate anything that President Obama does in order to try to boost their party. It is a shame that the world has more respect for the President of the U.S., than most of the people. While the Republicans are trying to defeat President Obama, they are destroying the country.

So what if they destroy the country if it would put them back in power to accept the perks from the big lobbyists. They are an embarrassment to the country.

If God is standing on one side of President Obama and Jesus is standing on the other side, and anounce to the world that President Obama is going a great job, the Republicans will disagree with them. Not because they are God and Jesus, but because they will not accept that President Obama is succeeding. To accept that will be disloyal to the Republican Party.

Well, President Obama, we are proud of you for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Do any of you realize that he also got $1MM as his prize? A president does not need the money. He should donate it to research and care for children born premature. At least then he would have accomplished something.

The simple fact is, it is not our award to give, so it really doesn't matter what we think, except to be proud that someone else thinks our President is doing a good job. Yay, us, since we elected him. And it is so typical of Republicans to whine about Obama when there is NO reason to. Gotta try to pull the rug out from under him at every opportunity even if the best thing for the country would be to support him on a particular issue. I really used to poo poo the idea that racism was still rampant in this country, but I'm really starting to think we've got a lot farther to go.

The Nobel Peace Price is not an incentive, it is recognition for something already accomplished. At least let the President's term end.

[...] He rejected the notion that Obama had been recognized prematurely for his efforts and said the committee wanted to promote the president just as it had Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990 in his efforts to open up the Soviet Union. Ed Rollins: Obama now must earn it [...]

[...] He rejected the notion that Obama had been recognized prematurely for his efforts and said the committee wanted to promote the president just as it had Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990 in his efforts to open up the Soviet Union. Ed Rollins: Obama now must earn it [...]

[...] He rejected the notion that Obama had been recognized prematurely for his efforts and said the committee wanted to promote the president just as it had Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990 in his efforts to open up the Soviet Union. Ed Rollins: Obama now must earn it [...]

[...] Rollins: Obama must now 'earn' Nobel Peace Prize – amFIX – CNN.com Blogs __________________ 2009 Solid Red 370Z 6MT T/S+Nav || F.I. TDX 18" CF Resonators || F.I. HFCs || Injen CAI || Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs || SPC Rear Camber Arms [...]

[...] Rollins: Obama must now 'earn' Nobel Peace Prize President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, a stunning decision that comes just eight months into [...] [...]

[...] the president just it had Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990 for his efforts to open up the Soviet Union. Ed Rollins: Obama now must earn it "His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on [...]