Obama's Nobel Prize Inspires Conservative Outrage And Confusion

The unexpected news that President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize early Friday morning has prompted a serious debate as to whether the award was deserved and what exactly Obama should do to commemorate the moment.

It's also created a remarkable bit of fury among the president's Republican opponents. One week after conservatives were exuberant with Obama's failure to secure the Olympics for his hometown of Chicago, they were left bitter and bemused that he was bestowed the world's most prestigious honor

"The real question Americans are asking is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?'" reads a statement from the Republican National Committee. " It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights. One thing is certain -- President Obama won't be receiving any awards from Americans for job creation, fiscal responsibility, or backing up rhetoric with concrete action."

The White House, itself, was surprised when it awoke to the news, with press secretary Robert Gibbs informing the president in the wee hours of the morning. And, from the moment it was announced, the prize presented as many political hurdles as they did moments of congratulations.

Even Obama's supporters raised questions about whether the reward was deserved, with progressives pointing to the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a detention policy that still enrages civil libertarians as logical points of contention.

For Obama's critics, however, the Nobel Prize has touched a far more bitter nerve -- affirming their firmly-held beliefs that the president is more symbolism than substance and that he's accomplished little of note on the international stage except to serve as an emblem of U.S. repentance for the Bush years.

"This fully exposes the illusion that is Barack Obama," conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh told Politico via e-mail. "And with this 'award' the elites of the world are urging Obama, THE MAN OF PEACE, to not do the surge in Afghanistan, not take action against Iran and its nuclear program and to basically continue his intentions to emasculate the United States... They love a weakened, neutered U.S and this is their way of promoting that concept. I think God has a great sense of humor, too."

"I did not realize the Nobel Peace Prize had an affirmative action quota," wrote Erick Erickson, of the site RedState.com, "but that is the only thing I can think of for this news."

"Obama isn't the first American president to win the Nobel Peace Prize, but he's the first to win it without having accomplished anything," wrote John Miller, of the National Review. "Obama's award is simply the projection of wishful thinking."

"The prize seems not just premature but embarrassing," wrote Mark Krikorian, also on The National Review, "this just reinforces the Saturday Night Live meme that Obama has done nothing. This really might be his Carter whacking-the-bunny-rabbit moment."

Indeed, an online petition was started just hours after the announcement was made, objecting to the "absurd decision to award B. Obama Nobel Peace Prize."

And so, in the immediate aftermath, the meme had already been established -- seconded by the usual purveyors of conventional wisdom -- that the Nobel Prize was more burden than benefit for the White House. The conclusion: the president needed to turn the prize down.

"I predict right now that he will find a way to basically turn it down," Time Magazine's Mark Halperin told MSNBC's Morning Joe. "I think he is going to say, I share this with the world or whatever. I don't think he'll embrace this. Because there is no upside."

"The damage is done," added Mika Brzezinski shortly thereafter.

UPDATE: Either sensing an opening to cast the Republican Party as actively rooting against America, or just fed up with the stream of negative responses, the Democratic National Committee put out an unusually blunt statement Friday morning. The gist: that the GOP sides with the terrorists.

"The Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists -- the Taliban and Hamas this morning -- in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace prize," wrote DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse. "Republicans cheered when America failed to land the Olympics and now they are criticizing the President of the United States for receiving the Nobel Peace prize -- an award he did not seek but that is nonetheless an honor in which every American can take great pride -- unless of course you are the Republican Party. The 2009 version of the Republican Party has no boundaries, has no shame and has proved that they will put politics above patriotism at every turn. It's no wonder only 20 percent of Americans admit to being Republicans anymore - it's an embarrassing label to claim."

FURTHER UPDATE: The progressive outlet Media Matters puts out a telling compilation of the conservative outrage...

Comments

[americanalien]

10:48 AM on 10/18/2009

You can hardly tell the difference between conservatives and t.e.r.rorists nowadays. Their reaction to the President winning the Nobel Peace Prize are almost identical. Why don't the teabaggers move to the middle east and join these t.e.rrorists in their fight against America?

[joeyfoto]

09:06 PM on 10/13/2009

Like almost everyone, I was surprised when President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. As an Obama supporter, I don't think that winning this prize, at this time, is an asset for the president. I was less surprised by the hideously mean-spirited reaction of the stereotypical Right-wing-hate-machine, who play to the bigoted and the ignorant... as Rush so clearly stated in a recent interview, this is done to gin-up ratings for his profit at the expense of civil society.

What is worth my comment, as someone who lives much of the time outside of the US, is the unrecognized accomplishment of Barrack Hussein Obama. In a country where less that 20% of the citizens even have a passport, international changes are likely to go unrecognized and undervalued. Yet, even before the election, candidate Obama transformed dynamics around the way that much of the world looks at America. His intelligence, his obvious open-mindedness and good-heartedness; his willingness to listen and to acknowledge errors that they entire world already sees, presented a view of America that was not an insult to people's intelligence. The decency of his demeanor has dramatically transformed the way a great many people look at America. That is an accomplishment.

[alkh3myst]

10:42 AM on 10/13/2009

So, I suppose then, that Henry Kissinger was a deserving winner of the Prize.

[hhayden]

11:18 AM on 10/13/2009

As much as Obama, Gore and Carter. Certainly as much as Arafat.

[cimbri]

12:07 AM on 10/13/2009

1) It was a consolation prize because of his Olympics humiliation.

2) Obama has been dithering on more troops because he didn't want to jeopardize the award. Now he can send the troops, he has the award.

[hhayden]

12:43 AM on 10/13/2009

I actually believe them when they say they didn't even know he was nominated. Even they couldn't believe it.

[Rapier]

11:36 PM on 10/12/2009

Mean spirited does not win votes. This looks at their reasons and counters

http://ofthisandthat.org/LettertoPresident.html

[hhayden]

12:44 AM on 10/13/2009

It's not mean spirited to see things as they are.

[DocSkull]

09:16 AM on 10/13/2009

"It's not mean spirited to see things as they are."

The democratic leader of your country has been given a prestigious award for peace, and you are angry about it. That is mean-spirited.

[KevinHallShow]

10:14 PM on 10/12/2009

The ReCRAZYcans are out in full force showing their hatred for our president. Everything he does is wrong in their eyes and the failure of our country is a reason for them to cheer. They really need therapy.

http://kevinhallshow.com/?p=420

[hhayden]

12:48 AM on 10/13/2009

"ReCRAZYcans"?

Is that like DemaGOONS? What good does it do to make up silly name for each other?

You can say we ha'te Obama if it makes you feel good some how, but we don't. It's his policies that we don't want.

[elr50]

08:51 AM on 10/13/2009

Hhayden, aren't you noble? NOT. I hated GWB for his policies, his lies, his actions, and his very BEING.

[DocSkull]

09:17 AM on 10/13/2009

You seem most upset about his peace policies. Why?

[ComeOnAlready]

08:17 PM on 10/12/2009

I love Michael Moore's take on why Obama deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. Priceless:

So, yeah, at precisely 11:00pm ET on November 4, 2008, Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. And the 66 million people who voted for him won it, too. By the time he took the stage at midnight ET in the Grant Park Historic Hippie Battlefield in downtown Chicago, billions of people around the globe were already breathing a huge sigh of relief. It was as if, in that instant, one man did bring the promise of peace to the world -- and most were ready to go wherever he wanted to go to achieve that end. Never before had the election of one man made every other nation feel like they had won, too. When you've got billions of people ready, willing and able to join a cause like this, well, a prize in Oslo is the least that you deserve.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-moore/get-off-obamas-back-secon_b_316480.html

[communitarian]

09:20 PM on 10/12/2009

And if you had been among the two million freezing, but fortunate, people to have been in Washington, DC on January 20, 2009, then you would have felt the palpable sense of relief, belief, hope, and joy permeating that crowd. "World changing" would be the word to describe it; world changing is what it was, and other nations have acknowledged this. Good for Barack Hussein Obama and good for those of us daring enough to be part of the change.

[hhayden]

12:52 AM on 10/13/2009

Where has the World changed for the better where it matters?

[Michmod]

10:59 PM on 10/12/2009

Amen. While awarding the Peace prize to Obama was problematic, it spoke volumes. And those that think a peace prize is for wimps, they whine. But the moment the majority think the Nobel Peace Prize is for wimps is the moment we are doomed. Was it premature? Was he the most deserving? I don't know. But come on....he certainly moved us towards what I would hope would be humanity's goal and should be lauded regardless. Or are we the planet of big time wrestlers? Geesh.

[hhayden]

12:55 AM on 10/13/2009

Who ever said it was for wimps - unless it's you who equate liberals with that.

Where is this "move toward" manafested?

[LOU LOU]

03:18 PM on 10/12/2009

I, for one, think the award to Obama was the BEST choice they could make.

Who else in this world has been more instrumental in influencing a global move back to rational thought, discussion, and cooperation and away from bellicose, me-first individualism?

At its best, the Nobel Peace Prize is a big picture award - not so much focused on a long list of smaller accomplishments - but certainly in this case, focused on how many minds have been changed in a positive way. This prize is more inspirational than aspirational. Obama has inspired the world to have renewed faith in the ultimate morality and righteousness of The United States of America. What could be more important in the cause of global peace than that? It’s OUR responsibility to live up to that promise, not just HIS. HE represents US.

The negative reaction here in the US is just more partisan, provincial sore losership. Those who criticize should remember what country they're Citizens of, and stop acting like fractious middle eastern extremists focused on the division of our unity.

For my part, I'm happy to be a part of the vast, silent moral majority of proud Americans who congratulate our President on this distinction, and who will work to help all of us EARN the respect that our President has already inspired.

[hhayden]

04:43 PM on 10/12/2009

I'll bet if there was anyone on the list who actually did something for peace they would not agree with you.

What results have come from Obama's constant yacking. More bo'mbs in Pakistan and more roc'kets from Notrh Korea and Iran?

Plus a recient German study found that feelings about America around the World are unchanged.

Trying to make republicans seem like terrorists is just silly. People like Bill Ayres fill that bill. And the Unibo'mber.

Fine. Lets see some results.

[ComeOnAlready]

08:40 PM on 10/12/2009

Read the committee's statement again, and then read Michael Moore's column here. They have far better reasons than you've stated in all you posts on this thread why Obama deserved the NPP. You cannot name someone who has won it in the past who has achieved world peace. Why do you demand Obama do the same in a mere 8 months?

Where was your anguish when Bush started these false wars? What did you do to stop him?

[liberalelitist79]

11:27 AM on 10/13/2009

Why do you prefer war over peace?

[liberalelitist79]

11:25 AM on 10/13/2009

LOU LOU, I couldn't have said that better myself! Fanned

[desertbloom]

11:45 AM on 10/12/2009

Newsflash to RepubliCAN'TS: The person who did NOT deserve the Nobel Prize was Henry Kissinger.

And, a note to the rest of the naysayers, including that cynical bunch of journalists who inhabit the DC-NYC corridor: wish you had held Cheney and Bush to the same standards you have for Obama. If so, they would've held office for a single term (or, at least, been thrown out during their second), and we would all be better off!

The Nobel committee was celebrating Obama, the man, who ran an exemplary campaign (without fear-mongering and furor) and has elevated global politics to an atmosphere of hope, possibility, and mutual cooperation in a mere nine months. Though,obviously, there is an enormous amount of work to be done to haul ourselves back from the brink, Obama has created an opening in the Cheney-Bush edifice of doom. That is something to be acknowledged and celebrated.

Now, let's get to work. Action speaks louder than words, all you HuffPost blowhards!

[hhayden]

12:16 PM on 10/12/2009

Is RepubliCAN'TS like DemaDUMBS? Silly names get us nowhere.

So, Arafat did? And Gandhi didn't after a dozen attempts?

The economy is going to collapse and may never recover wasn't fear mongering?

Hope can be a very empty thing in the end. When some results?

With Obama it's all words so far.

[Tony581]

06:17 PM on 10/12/2009

No Republican likes Mohandas Gandhi. This hand-wringing about Gandhi not winning the NPP is sheer hubris. The Republicans were happy to trumpet Obama's failure to bring the Olympics to Chicago as a sign that he had no standing among the international community. The NPP contradicts the Republican argument of a week ago.

[them is us]

09:45 AM on 10/12/2009

Sour Grapes :)

http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/0910/sour-grapes-obama-kanye-nobel-demotivational-poster-1255353379.jpg

[hhayden]

09:55 AM on 10/12/2009

What is that even supposed to mean?

How is it sour grapes to see through a politically motovated award?

I'd give him that Darwin Award.

[nonofyabusiness]

10:56 AM on 10/12/2009

So how little are you being paid to bark so much BS???

[TaiTai]

10:41 PM on 10/12/2009

I don't know hhayden. You said you were bemused by all of this... but you seem quite outraged and confused.

[rememberthepoor]

09:23 AM on 10/12/2009

It is hard to comprehend just how anti-peace the republican party has become. They have obviously allowed money from war toys to rule their existence. Sad. They have lost any sort of humanity in this latest display. Their only happiness these days is in small-minded destruction of the values this country was founded on.

[Benderknows]

09:46 AM on 10/12/2009

You are confused. We are pro-American, unlike the Left who believe speeches making nice-nice will defeat a tyrant. And, I suggest you read the Consittution to better understand our founding principles.

[ComeOnAlready]

08:21 PM on 10/12/2009

Respect for people gets us a lot farther than tanks and weapons. It takes intelligence to understand that ... only shallow people think bullying the world it the right path to take.

[TaiTai]

10:54 PM on 10/12/2009

That's nice - we Democrats are also pro-American, which is why we wanted the Olympics to come here. Republicans were apparently rooting against America (see video of Americans for Prosperity cheering when it was announced that we lost. See Fox News comments. See Rush Limboob's comments.). They side with the Taliban on Obama's Nobel. Pro-American? Hardly.

[hhayden]

10:00 AM on 10/12/2009

That why is it that we have to bring up freedom, liberty, smaller government and self determination because you guy never do? Why are you the ones who are continually saying shut up and go away. Why are you the ones who want to shut down the one lone media source that speaks against you? Why the granny state?

[Yarrr]

10:11 AM on 10/12/2009

Blah blah, cut the crap. The last few Republican presidents have exponentially increased the government size. You guys want to use the government to enforce bible-based law and deprive people of rights.

Small government? Liberty? Give me a f-ing break.

[TaiTai]

10:46 PM on 10/12/2009

Right. Keep telling yourself that. An overwhelming majority of Americans think otherwise. When the Republicans can produce someone sane, maybe things will swing back around. I was one of the ones who said, 'after the last 8 years of disaster, I cannot bring myself to vote for more of the same'. It was quite simple - Obama had the more positive, peaceful message.

Fox News and Limboob aren't going anywhere.... The talking heads on Fox make too much money for the network (well, except for Glenn "Obama hates white people" Beck, who have lost dozens of advertisers). They are just too entertaining. Many people watch and listen just to see the train wreck... not because they agree. No - they're not going anywhere - don't worry your pretty little head.

[Benderknows]

08:50 AM on 10/12/2009

Here is this morning's headline from Reuters, "Iran dismisses U.S. warning before nuclear talks." I guess the Mullahs didn't read about the Peace Prize.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091012/wl_nm/us_iran_nuclear_8

[hhayden]

09:11 AM on 10/12/2009

Iran is doing just what Saddam did. String us along with endless pointless talks while doing what they like. Do they fear that Obama will give another speech?

[ComeOnAlready]

08:43 PM on 10/12/2009

what has reading the peace prize got to do with their decision to "dismiss US warning?"

[hhayden]

01:37 AM on 10/13/2009

People now expect Obama to live up to the award.

[FloridaLady131722]

08:30 AM on 10/12/2009

WOW, people are really showing their true colors since this President has been in office. Since the cat is out of the bag, why not do what you do best march, rally, cry like the racist little babies you were raises as.

[hhayden]

08:50 AM on 10/12/2009

Why is it that you guys always cry rec'ism? Still trying to drive the wedge? I suggest that it's in your mind and coming out of your mouthes (liberals - I am not suggesting that you personally have more than one) That's where the raci'sm truly lives.

[ComeOnAlready]

08:26 PM on 10/12/2009

Wrong AGAIN. Racism lives in the minds of people who oppose Obama's policies but supported Bush's, when Bush was clearly uber-incompetent, and his policies did more harm to Americans than good. There are people who held Bush to the same standards they're currently holding Obama, but they're usually supporting Obama.

[HGS111]

08:17 AM on 10/12/2009

Seems to me that the last administration had the luxury of a press and support party that constantly lowered the bar of expectations from gw. Now they are doing the exact opposite of continuously raising the bar for BHO. This poor guy has really been dealt a very nasty deck of cards from the loud and incompetent right and thank God they are no longer in power. Oh! as for peace where do you think we'd be right now if john and sarah had prevailed in the last election.

[hhayden]

08:24 AM on 10/12/2009

Solvent.

[TaiTai]

08:35 AM on 10/12/2009

Nope. Wrong again. That ship had sailed. John and Sarah would have exacerbated the problem with deeper tax cuts for the weathly (read: for themselves), and even more government deregulation. The lesson we learned during the Depression was that it was a mistake for the government to sit back and do nothing. I'm not saying that mistakes weren't made.... but we'd be worse off if the other team had won.

[Benderknows]

08:51 AM on 10/12/2009

agreed

[Benderknows]

08:53 AM on 10/12/2009

I want what you are smoking. The press could not be more in love with Obama. Only delusion could lead you to think that President Bush was not continually attacked by the press.

[hhayden]

09:14 AM on 10/12/2009

Makes you wonder where they have been all these years. One lone network speaks for conservatives and they want the "Fairness Doctrine" to shut that down.

[floridafun]

08:03 AM on 10/12/2009

reminding the losing party--- i dont recall the exact dates but i think these were what obama was doing in his first couple weeks..
1. decreed that interrogators must follow techniques outlined in the Army Field Manual when questioning terrorism suspects.
2. told top military officials to do whatever planning necessary to "execute a responsible military drawdown from Iraq."
3. ordered the Guantanamo detention center shut within a year.
4. froze all white house staff salaries of $100.000.00 or more.
5. overturning the so-called Mexico City policy that forbids U.S. funding for family planning programs that offer abortion.
6. lifting Bush's limit on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. 7. declared once again to restore science to its rightful place. "The days of science taking a back seat to ideology are over," he said
8. tells the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect."
9. reversed a post-9/11 policy making it easier for government agencies to deny requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act.
10. repealed a Bush executive order that allowed former presidents or their heirs to claim executive privilege in an effort to keep records secret.
11. required closure of cia secret black site prisons abroad.

[hhayden]

08:22 AM on 10/12/2009

Another bloody bombing in Pakistan with more threatened to come. Did they not hear about Obama's peace prize?

Only number eight has anything to do with peace and how is that going?

[ComeOnAlready]

08:31 PM on 10/12/2009

Name a Nobel Prize winner who actually achieved world peace. I'm waiting.