Obama has won a Nobel

[I.A.S.K.]

Originally Posted by I.A.S.K.

People who ask what has he achieved probably don't recognize how difficult it truly is to organize such a large number of extremly diverse supporters [a group of supporters that crosses boundaries of race, religion, region, language, etc.] around a message of hope, positivity, humanity and ultimately love. No one else has ever been able to do that. I know its a small achievement to some, but comparatively speaking it is quite large.

Now, he won the Prize because he can actually do what he has set out to do and is in the process of making it happen. Yes, its political, but I wouldn't say he is not at all deserving. Glad he won it!

"Why put off for tomorrow what you can accomplish today?" Guess the Prize committee took this one to heart! lol!

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

If it doesn't indicate a lack of a valid answer, do tell why you (or anyone) who has a valid answer would play coy and not give it.

It's hardly presumptuous (presumptous of what, exactly?) to say I don't feel he fits the criteria (which I quoted, just in case) and to ask that if you do, please tell what he has done that would qualify him to win. If, for whatever reason, you chose not to disclose why you think he qualifies - what are we to think?

When did shock and surprise enter the conversation? I will say that Obama himself said he was surprised - did you expect him to win? Really? (Rhetorical question, btw.)

Please see above.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by I.A.S.K.

Please see above.

Which part has never happened before? Because each element is notably present, whether by sheer numbers and diversity (others have carried more of the popular vote across a broader spectrum), others have utilized a message of hope/change/empowerment (off the top of my head, Kennedy), etc., in previous presidential bids. Now, Obama's been the most recent, and certainly a big departure from Bush, but it seems like you're markedly overstating your case.

Now, I'm not trying to denigrate Obama's campaign, but it's just that: a campaign, one full of politics and promises, just like every other campaign. Trust me, I vastly prefer the politics of hope over those of fear or xenophobia or whatever, but it's too soon to say this new type of politics actually leads to anything substantive, don't you think?

[I.A.S.K.]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Which part has never happened before? Because each element is notably present, whether by sheer numbers and diversity (others have carried more of the popular vote across a broader spectrum), others have utilized a message of hope/change/empowerment (off the top of my head, Kennedy), etc., in previous presidential bids. Now, Obama's been the most recent, and certainly a big departure from Bush, but it seems like you're markedly overstating your case.

Now, I'm not trying to denigrate Obama's campaign, but it's just that: a campaign, one full of politics and promises, just like every other campaign. Trust me, I vastly prefer the politics of hope over those of fear or xenophobia or whatever, but it's too soon to say this new type of politics actually leads to anything substantive, don't you think?

Yes there have been plenty of people who have run on the same message and there have been presidents who've carried more of the vote. Who is the last president who had this much international support before and after being elected president? How many U.S. presidents draw crowds of millions anywhere outside of the country (even before being elected)?
And by support and being able to unite people I don't just mean Americans. Im not talking about just his election bid. As a world leader Obama's efforts and support are not paralleled by many. There are not many people who have rallied and campaigned for peace and unity and hope at the scale Obama has. If you think of the people who have had this kind of world wide support names you might mention would be Mandela, Bishop Tutu, Martin L. King Jr. Now, I would not go as far to say that Obama is their equal exactly, but he has gone a step further than any of them has been able to. To come from relative obscurity and be able to achieve what he has is quite amazing. All the other world leaders of this magnitude came out of some MAJOR civil rights movement/ fight against injustice. Obama came from "average" America. That is a feat.

So, what I am saying about his efforts is not specific to his camaign for president only. His campaign and promises made are just a bunch of words that aren't worth a certificate from Staples. What makes Obama's efforts even remotely worthy of a Nobel is the overwhelming support and inspiration and change he has made around the world. There has been no person who has had this much influence this soon and has used positivity to gain it.

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by I.A.S.K.

Yes there have been plenty of people who have run on the same message and there have been presidents who've carried more of the vote. Who is the last president who had this much international support before and after being elected president? How many U.S. presidents draw crowds of millions anywhere outside of the country (even before being elected)?
And by support and being able to unite people I don't just mean Americans. Im not talking about just his election bid. As a world leader Obama's efforts and support are not paralleled by many. There are not many people who have rallied and campaigned for peace and unity and hope at the scale Obama has. If you think of the people who have had this kind of world wide support names you might mention would be Mandela, Bishop Tutu, Martin L. King Jr. Now, I would not go as far to say that Obama is their equal exactly, but he has gone a step further than any of them has been able to. To come from relative obscurity and be able to achieve what he has is quite amazing. All the other world leaders of this magnitude came out of some MAJOR civil rights movement/ fight against injustice. Obama came from "average" America. That is a feat.

So, what I am saying about his efforts is not specific to his camaign for president only. His campaign and promises made are just a bunch of words that aren't worth a certificate from Staples. What makes Obama's efforts even remotely worthy of a Nobel is the overwhelming support and inspiration and change he has made around the world. There has been no person who has had this much influence this soon and has used positivity to gain it.

Well said.