Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

An hour ago the news broke that the Nobel committee will award President Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize. EU President Jose Barroso said it is “a tribute to President Obama’s commitment to the values of peace and progress of humanity.”

The Washington Post is collecting reactions, including this advice from Mickey Kaus: “Instant advice for Obama re: Nobel Peace Prize: Turn it down! It’s win/win…the possibility for a Nobel backlash seems non-farfetched.”

When Al Gore won two years ago, I argued it was for great communications. This Nobel was awarded to Obama for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” It’s for one year of efforts, the symbolism, and for powerful oration.

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