By Dan Kennedy • The press, politics, technology, culture and other passions

Obama’s Nobel Prize (II)

Just want to make it clear that I’m not siding with those who say President Obama should refuse the Nobel Peace Prize.

He should accept it with great humility, and make it clear that he understands it’s a goad for what he might accomplish — not a lifetime achievement award for a president who’s only been in office for nine months.

Refusing the award would merely compound the Nobel committee’s mistake with an even greater one. (Via Hub Blog, which notes that Jon Keller and David Kravitz want Obama to reject the Nobel.)

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7 Comments

  1. Maureen Dezell

    I understand the reticence; seems as if the Nobel committee has succumbed to entertainment industry instincts –Barack’s the It Boy of World Peace.

    But who was Obama’s competition?

  2. Treg

    Dan, I agree. And I think it’s already clear that’s exactly how President Obama is looking at it as well. I thought his statement this morning was brilliant.

  3. I guess it’s the same rationale used by Time – the person of the year who’ll look good on the cover and sell the most magazines.

  4. BillH

    It should be pointed out that President Obama, after only nine months in office, has at least dealt with other nations as respectful equals; has reiterated the need for collaboration in solving the world’s problems; has articulated–as perhaps no other American president has been able–the dreams of millions worldwide; and has established this country as a friend of peace, even as he tries to extricate us from the foolish policies of his predecessor. That’s not too bad, with more than three years left in his first term.

  5. Neil

    Obama was given the prize in part because he doesn’t spite or smite his enemies, he engages them and gives them a chance to respond favorably, why would he spite his friends by giving the prize back?

  6. CAvard

    >> He should accept it with great humility, and make it clear that he understands it’s a goad for what he might accomplish — not a lifetime achievement award for a president who’s only been in office for nine months. <<

    I think that's the best way to approach it from here.

  7. Prospecticus

    Jon Keller…want(s) Obama to reject the Nobel.

    I’d rather see WBZ reject Jon Keller, at contract time

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