“Too early? Well, I’d say then that it could be too late to respond three years from now. It is now that we have the opportunity to respond.”
Thorbjorn Jagland, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee
“It is a bold statement of international support for his vision and commitment to peace and harmony in international relations. It shows the hope his administration represents not only to our nation but to people around the world.”
Former President Jimmy Carter, 2002 Nobel Peace laureate
“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.”
Michael Steele, Republican National Committee chairman
“And (the) Nobel Committee, I can’t divine all their intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations. And I’m sure the president understands that he now has even more to live up to.”
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
“I feel good for him. I’m happy for him, but I think he put it in the right context. This was not an award for him. It was an award for America and its values, and it really is a tribute to our country and what we stand for.”
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
“And with this ‘award,’ the elites of the world are urging Obama, ‘the man of peace,’ to not do the surge in Afghanistan, not take action against Iran and its nuclear program and to basically continue his intentions to emasculate the United States.”
Rush Limbaugh, radio talk-show host
“I think it’s extremely well-deserved. . . . I think it will take some time before people put together all the different moves that linked his speech at the U.N. on the abolishing of nuclear weapons, his shift on the missile defense program in Eastern Europe and the movement of Russia to joining the international consensus that confronted Iran to abide by the nonproliferation treaty.”
Former Vice President Al Gore, 2007 Nobel Peace laureate
“Giving this award to the leader of the most militarized country in the world, which has taken the human family against its will to war, will be rightly seen by many people around the world as a reward for his country’s aggression and domination.”
Mairead Corrigan Maguire, 1976 Nobel Peace laureate, of Northern Ireland
“I’m not sure what the international community loved best: his waffling on Afghanistan, pulling defense missiles out of Eastern Europe, turning his back on freedom fighters in Honduras, coddling Castro, siding with Palestinians against Israel, or almost getting tough on Iran. The world may love it, but following in the footsteps of Jimmy Carter is not where America needs to go.” Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C.
