OMG Obama!

[blamebrampton]

shocolate is an even keener refresher of news sites than I am, which is how she broke the news to me that Barack Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

And for anyone wondering why, this, and living up to this:

To my mind, he is the type of American who represents the America I imagined when I was young, and thought of it as a country that could do anything it set its mind to it. And I rather love the fact I started believing that when Americans landed on the moon and that tonight American satellites are going to drop onto the moon's crust to look for confirmation of water. And while I do point out that America can suck, it can, as it says, also rock.

ETA: As I predicted to Mr Brammers a few hours ago, media coverage is running down expected lines. The Times is expressing the decision as a 'Shock' and declared it a political decision (yes, because that has NEVER happened before!); the Sydney Morning Herald is saying that while the decision was a surprise the committee and other laureates were excited about it and it was a firm endorsement of Obama's policies of multulateralism and support for human rights;  The New York Times calls it a surprise move, and speaks about the award being given on the basis of some work achieved and more committed to, as well as the cultural shift being as important as the concrete achievements so far. The last is also the only paper I've looked at so far that has comments from the White House -- and a terrific little blog of world reactions.

I was backing Hu Jia for this year's prize, and I do grant you that it is early to give it to Obama, who wasn't even on my prediction list. That said, I am good with early if it's followed up, and he is very good at the follow up.  And it's nice to see the Norwegians indulge a little bit of optimism, I haven't seen that in the global climate since Gorby was about.

This weekend's papers will be interesting!

Comments

[shocolate.livejournal.com]

*is ridiculously pleased to have told you - isn't that mad?*

[potterotic.livejournal.com]

*Proud to be American*

(it's been a while)

[cinnatart.livejournal.com]

I know I'm relatively young, but I've never been more proud of a single man, and of this country. Yea, like you said, some things suck. But I stick by the fact that Obama's been a good thing for this country, and I have the confidence that he will continue to be so as well.

=)

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Wow. That's a bit of a surprise. Not that it isn't deserved, because ... yeah. I'm just shocked he got it so quickly. Shocked and impressed. Sounds like his own camp feels the same way. :)

Maybe his opponents will shut up for a little while now (too much to hope for?) and let him get on with things.

[empress-jae.livejournal.com]

i'm not gonna lie - i love and admire my president, but i feel that this award is a bit pre-mature. especially when you read and compare the list of past winners and their life's work.

i think i lack the excitement that i really want to have because i know this is only going to add fuel to the fire to the overly obnoxious and loud skeptics of obama (i.e. douche news...i mean FOX news) ;)

edited to use my funky afro!obama icon.

[ciel-vert.livejournal.com]

This was definitely shocking news to receive upon waking this morning, but I was also very pleased. I agree it's early in his life's work to be given the award, but I don't think it's undeserved in any way for that reason alone. The man has inspired HOPE in so many people around the world, and in days like these, just that small fact is enough to make him worthy of the prize. I like to think Alfred would have approved. :)

[alex-s9.livejournal.com]

The short list for Peace Nobel Prize was anounced two days after Obama took the presidential oaths, so he didn't have much time to do anything to get nominated. I see this award as a bit racist and based on the colour of his skin more than his actual achievements. But that's just me.

BTW, why Norwegians?

[shadowclub.livejournal.com]

I was sort of surprised that Obama won the peace prize especially since I am still not completely sure he has done anything epic... but my following of politics it spotty at times.

The media is so special...

[drgaellon]

I am a major Obama cheerleader; I think he's the best thing in American politics since Tom Jefferson. However, he didn't deserve this award. To co-opt a phrase I read on another journal, this was the "Thank you for not being George Bush" award.