Replies to post #171871 on Simply Politics & News (GOV)

[gp100357]

Once again I think Obama is just as shocked as the rest of us.

No reason for him to be shocked. His nomination was public knowledge, apparently, at least according to this article:

Obama, Sarkozy among nominees for 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Friday 27 February 2009

React (12)PrintsaveAFP - A record 205 candidates are in the running for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, the Nobel Institute said on Friday, with US President Barak Obama and France's Nicolas Sarkozy known to be on the list.

"We have received the names of 205 candidates, including 33 organisations," Geir Lundestad, the head of the Nobel Institute, told AFP.

"This is a new record," exceeding the 199 candidates competing for the prestigious prize in 2005, he said.

The names of nominees are kept secret by the institute for 50 years. But those who are entitled to nominate are allowed to reveal the name of the person or organisation they have proposed, if they wish to do so.

Both Obama and Sarkozy are already known to be on the list, although observers say it is unclear if either leader has a real shot at winning the much-coveted laurel.

"They have yet to do anything very remarkable on issues regarding war and peace," said Gunnar Soerboe, who heads up the Christian Michelsen Institute, which specialises in peace and development research.

"Sarkozy has clearly been very active on the international stage, in Georgia and in the Middle East where he has tried to help bring an end to the Gaza war, but he has yet to truly show a breakthrough," he told AFP.

"In time, if he continues to make progress, he could become a credible candidate, but that day has yet to come."

Being nominated says little about whether a person or organisation is actually likely to win, since nominations reflect only the views of those who propose the candidates and not those of the institute, Lundestad said.....

(read the rest at:)

http://www.france24.com/en/20090227-barack-obama-president-sarkozy-2009-nobel-peace-prize-candidates-nominations

Don't know..have you finished it?

What did Obama finish?

You can get this award for many reasons.

Obviously. Talking about doing something seems to be a valid reason these days.

Another interesting topic being tossed around - Perhaps Obama allowed his nomination for this award to affect his decision concerning sending more troops to Afghanistan? His lack of communications with his General on the ground there? If so, the man is guilty of murder.