The Nobel Committee announced today that President Barack Obama was its selection for the 2009 Nobel Peace prize, in what many Nobel analysts seemed to think was a collective sigh of relief at new American leadership.
In a statement, the President said “Let me be clear: I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations. To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize.”
Naturally, the announcement drew sharp criticism from Congressional Republicans. RNC Chair Michael Steele said in a statement that “the real question Americans are asking is, ‘What has President Obama actually accomplished?’ It is unfortunate that the president’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights.”
And jockeying for the democrats, State Department Spokesman PJ Crowley said “”from our standpoint, you know, we think that this gives us a sense of momentum … when the United States has accolades tossed its way, rather than shoes,” in a jab directed at former President George W. Bush.
Last but not least, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, said “under any circumstance an appropriate response is to say congratulations.”
Obama is the third sitting U.S. President to receive the award.