Thoughts?

If he can teach conservatives to 'love thy neighbor' then yes.

really seems more of a political gesture and a "ok, youre doing the right things so far - keep doing lots more" kind of thing

More proper ganda.

How the heck does the Commander in Chief of 2 wars get a prize with 'peace' in the name?

Is this opposite day?

If this pushes a few more lunatic fringe racist Cons to commit suicide, all the better...

The problem with this is that they usually take down innocents with them. It's the American Way.

This i weird, I would never have expected the Nobel Peace Posse to to make such an overtly political move, so maybe there is something in it.
Weird though.

Yep, I mean he definitely was President in 2003 when he started it. good point!

Don't fear, right-wingers! This was just the world's concession to the US for the Olympic snub---proper balance has once more been achieved and we can now get back to the standard muckery that renders us inept to accomplish anything as a united country.

I think it's a bit too soon for something so big and noteworthy, but why the hell not?
Also, proper ganda?

wonder what he thought when he work up to learn that he won it.

Well he's following through with them, particularly in Afghanistan. He even made it a point of his to push the war in Afghanistan more, even during the race.

The proper thing would have been to give it to him AFTER he's ended it all (assuming he does, I doubt it though.)

If you give someone an award AFTER they've done something great, it makes sense. If you give them an award ASSUMING they'll eventually do something great and hope said award pushes them in that direction, you'r stupid as hell.

Left or Right, this is ridiculous. I want an award in the hopes I MIGHT do something great, why not?

I bet he had a few cigs and a cup of coffee.

"Suck on that Clinton!"

As much as I may be opposed to these wars, I have to say that it would be terribly foolish to back out now and leave both countries in a complete fucking state. That is basically what happened in Africa, so in order to avoid that, there is some sense in pushing forward.

Plus, my understanding was that is had to do with his stance on nuclear disarmament.

I haven't yet read the Committee's statement but my guess is that it's for his overall willingness to negotiate with other nations in practical ways as opposed to the unyielding grandstanding and imperial tone of the prior administration. It does appear to be a gesture of encouragement. While I approve of the president's efforts in that regard (particularly in the case of Iran, which would make a much better quasi-ally than enemy) the award does feel a little premature. Still, good on him.

“I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but a recognition of the role of American leadership” in the world, Obama said in remarks moments ago. “To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures” who won in the past, he added. “I will accept this award as a call to action, a call to all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st Century.”

The committee nominated him on Feb 1, just weeks after he took office.

...however the votes were this month.

I'm a big fan of pizza.

yes, but why was he nominated so early in the game if it wasn't political. Some really worthy but lesser known people lost to him.

It's a fair question, and the one on a lot of minds today including those of us who are happy for the win. Again my guess is that it has to do with his campaign statements that he'd be willing to negotiate with Iran, Cuba, etc. without compromise-killing "preconditions." The recent baby steps towards nuclear power regulation of Iran may have been the deciding factor at voting time. Again, just speculation. Who do you think would have been more deserving candidates?

I don't think one should expect the prize to be apolitical. There have been some questionable awards e.g. Arafat and Kissinger, both of which were granted for very political reasons having to do with "peace" negotiations despite the considerably inhumane things that we know both persons to be responsible for.

Other possible nominees

Dr Denis Mukwege
http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2007/08 ... -the-congo

Cluster Munition Coalition
http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/

Handicap International
They were previous co-winners -maybe that's why they didn't get it this time.
They do support Obama's victory, and hope he follows through.

http://handicap-international.ca/pagesang/accueil.htm