Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize



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Congrats to the President for this honor, another turn of the page from the failed warmongering failure of the last 8 years of U.S. foreign policy.

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276 Responses to “Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize”

  1. Pete says:

    (Switches on Fox)

    This is going to be *awesome*.

  2. Adam Herman says:

    Um, what did he do?

    Can I have a Nobel in Physics for wishing really hard for faster than light travel?

  3. Dennis says:

    Um, what did he do?

    Can I have a Nobel in Physics for wishing really hard for faster than light travel?

    His accomplishments are all spelled out in complete detail in the blog post, Adam.

    He’s not George Bush.

  4. Adam Herman says:

    I think the real reason is that the Nobel Committee took that SNL skit too seriously and felt they needed to give the President an accomplishment. Or at least an award for predicted future accomplishments.

    What’s hilarious about the whole thing is that if Obama is like previous Nobel Winners, he’s sure to bomb Iran before the year is out.

  5. Mike says:

    Oh, read the fucking award citation itself. Turning our international reputation around all by himself in a few months from its historical nadir is pretty damn impressive. That he’s going to make wingnut heads explode is just an added bonus.

  6. bryan says:

    Yes Dennis, by not being George W Bush, he has already increased the potential for peace in so many ways. He may never achieve peace in US influenced/occupied areas, but his desire for peace is far better than not having a desire for peace. Kissinger took the prize whilst bombing Cambodia; surely theres a little higher ground for Obama to stand on than that?

  7. Adam Herman says:

    That’s wishful thinking. WheN I woke up to this I thought it was a parody. I’d imagine even the most diehard right-wingers will feel the same way. When they find out it isn’t a joke, or at least it’s not supposed to be, they’ll have the same reaction I did: laughter.

    Because this is a better parody than SNL. And again, it means that Obama is sure to, in the next few months:

    1) Kill bin Laden
    2) Bomb Iran
    3) Sponsor a coup in some Third World nation

  8. SAM NY says:

    In an unrelated story, Oliver Willis was named Mr. Universe for promising himself that he’d try to go on a diet next month.

  9. Adam Herman says:

    Breaking! Barack Obama named NFL MVP!

  10. Jaim says:

    Allow me to stun the trolls here and declare that this is really a lame decision. It’s far too soon to make judgements on a presidency that’s less than a year old.

    That said, I imagine he’s even more of an inspiration in Africa than he is in America so maybe there’s an angle for justification there.

    And it is funny that you can get a Nobel simply for not being as atrocious a world leader as Bush II was.

  11. SaveFarris says:

    It’s far too soon to make judgements on a presidency that’s less than a year old.

    Nominations were due February 1st. Can anyone here honestly point to something Obama accomplished in those 11 days that merited the Peace Prize?

  12. Adam Herman says:

    Apparnetly, this is an award for winning the election. Hillary Clinton is probably pissed off that she missed out on her peace prize.

  13. anotherbozo says:

    “Can anyone here honestly point to something Obama accomplished in those 11 days that merited the Peace Prize?”

    I think his name was submitted on a hunch, borne out by subsequent months.

    First reaction: I’m glad Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld etc. were alive to see this.

    Second reaction: They’ll probably regard it as a “soft on defense” award anyway. For him who wears moccasins, the world is covered in shoe leather. And right wingnuts can’t envision a world larger than their own minds.

  14. Adam Herman says:

    Borne out how? What has he done other than give speeches?

  15. Jaim says:

    “Can anyone here honestly point to something Obama accomplished in those 11 days that merited the Peace Prize?”

    Well, it’s obvious: He ain’t Bush, and the world likes America again. I don’t think it’s a logical decision myself, but that won’t stop me from LOL’ing at you wing-nuts as you go further into mental insanity/Obama Derangement Syndrome.

  16. OMG, it’s like Xmas morning, ain’t it?????

    Congratulations, President Barack Hussein Obama!!!! Wow, I never get tired of typing that!

  17. Dennis says:

    The transnational progressives who pass out these accolades believe America is the problem in the world, the main threat to peace, the impediment to “progress,” etc. The award is a symbolic statement of opposition to American exceptionalism, American might, American capitalism, American self-determinism, and American pursuit of America’s interests in the world. That is why Obama could win it based on only 10 days in office — merely by capturing the White House and the levers of power, he stands to do more for the Left’s “knock America off its pedestal” program than any figure in history.

    After a number of years, the NFL renamed its Super Bowl trophy after its most fitting recipient — it’s now called the Vince Lombardi Trophy. I’d like to see the Nobel Foundation follow suit. If today’s headlines said, “Barack Obama Wins Yasser Arafat Prize,” that would be perfect.
    –Andy McCarthy

  18. joaquin says:

    This just in. Michael Crabtree is the NFL MVP for 2009.

  19. Jaim says:

    “The transnational progressives who pass out these accolades believe America is the problem in the world”

    So they gave a prize to the leader of America?

  20. anotherbozo says:

    “Borne out how? What has he done other than give speeches?”

    He’s met with a few dozen government leaders, won international respect, turned around huge anti-American sentiment in many quarters, all those hard-to-measure quantities that only considered judgment can recognize. The wonks here can give you particulars.

  21. SaveFarris says:

    I’d also like to congratulate Obama for his winning the Heisman Trophy, the Best Picture Oscar, the Congressional Medal of Honor, this year’s title on American Idol, and Time’s Man of the Century.

  22. SaveFarris says:

    He’s met with a few dozen government leaders, won international respect, turned around huge anti-American sentiment in many quarters

    He did all that within those 11 days?

  23. joaquin says:

    I’m pretty sure that I’m close to developing a vaccine for AIDS.
    I deserve the Nobel for medicine.

    I have this great idea for a book.
    I deserve the Nobel for literature.

    The other day I did some pretty complicated math.
    I think I deserve the Nobel for Mathematics.

    I have this great idea about a light-weight plane that runs on air.
    I deserve the Nobel for Physics.

  24. Dennis says:

    “The transnational progressives who pass out these accolades believe America is the problem in the world”

    So they gave a prize to the leader of America?
    Jaim

    “That is why Obama could win it based on only 10 days in office — merely by capturing the White House and the levers of power, he stands to do more for the Left’s “knock America off its pedestal” program than any figure in history.”

    Yes, precisely. A smart move for the Nobel Committee. Positive reinforcement. They are sure to get a nice return on their investment.

  25. william says:

    And here I thought the Nobel committee jumped the shark after giving an award to Yasser Arafat.

    What comes after jumping the shark? Complete irrelevance?

  26. Jaim says:

    Clearly this is good news for John McCain.

  27. joaquin says:

    Just another example of Lefties trying to artificially prop-up a fraudulent ‘leader’ with a resume as thin as onion skin.
    I love it when the world laughs with me.

  28. durablend says:

    Just another example of Lefties trying to artificially prop-up a fraudulent ‘leader’ with a resume as thin as onion skin.

    Speaking of onion skin, find that birth certificate yet? Y’know it’s GOTTA be out there “somewhere”…

  29. Jaim says:

    “I love it when the world laughs with me.”

    You mean the same world that just awarded Obama with the ever-loving Nobel Peace Prize?

  30. joaquin says:

    WTF! Here’s what I don’t get. Why not the Nobel for Literature??
    He wrote 2 books! Right?

  31. Indeed says:

    Just another example of Lefties trying to artificially prop-up a fraudulent ‘leader’ with a resume as thin as onion skin.

    Mm-hm.

  32. abanterer says:

    Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. So, good for him. Committee’s decision, committee’s money, committee’s prize. They said in their decision that this was based as a prod to encourage further efforts towards goals of reducing nuclear proliferation and climate change. Conservatives can’t stand it, for various reasons, depending on who they are. My recommendation is to just deal with it, and not be jealous of something they apparently no longer covet anymore.

  33. Now that Pres Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize, you think he’ll finally be satisfied and go home to Chicago, and leave the rest of us alone?

  34. joaquin says:

    Was the voting in Oslo or Chicago! HA!

  35. durablend says:

    Now that Pres Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize, you think he’ll finally be satisfied and go home to Chicago, and leave the rest of us alone?

    If he does and Biden gets the presidency will you violent teabaggers leave the rest of us alone?

  36. Buzz Killington says:

    Bewildering. I wouldn’t want the “peace = destruction of Isreal” award, myself.

    And please don’t joke about a Biden Presidency, at least until Halloween. That’s too scary.

  37. Paul_D says:

    Now that Pres Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize, you think he’ll finally be satisfied and go home to Chicago, and leave the rest of us alone?

    More sore-loser crybaby oxygen theivery latching on to the most trivial bullshit arguments, because that’s all you got.

    You’re better off with alternative that was offered to anyone who had the gall to raise an eyebrow at the prior 8 years of fuckuarity;

    Leave.

  38. Dennis says:

    If he does and Biden gets the presidency will you violent teabaggers leave the rest of us alone?

    What’s a violent teabagger, durablend? Is that what David Carradine killed himself doing?

    In other related news….Rush Limbaugh: Miss America Pageant Judge?

  39. locus says:

    Personally, I think it’s a little premature.

    However, looking at some of the reactions from our usual cadre of commenters, I guess their reaction can be expected. I’ve heard many, many different permutations of their main argument that Obama lacks the legitimacy to be President (birther questioning, attempts to inflate him before the public as “the One” or “the Messiah.”)

    Abanterer’s last post really makes the point. This was the Committee’s decision to award their money as they see fit. I suggest to all the people complaining about this that they simply back off, congratulate the President for accepting the award graciously, and move on. The fact that the Committee has bestowed its award to questionable receivers in the past is irrelevant. Quite frankly, bringing these points up says a lot more about the person giving the criticism.

    We really have many more pressing problems to resolve than engaging in this distraction. I don’t doubt that Obama feels similarly.

  40. Buzz Killington says:

    locus:

    We really have many more pressing problems to resolve than engaging in this distraction. I don’t doubt that Obama feels similarly.

    I get your sentiment, but this is a blog comment section. We’re not resolving anything here :)

  41. Jay says:

    He ain’t Bush

    Yes, that is a truly admirable reason for giving somebody a Nobel Peace Prize. Sorry, but awarding Obama the Nobel Peace Prize is wrong. He has not done anything. You win awards for what you’ve accomplished, not what you MIGHT accomplish.

    Living Colour’s song ‘Cult of Personality’ was never more applicable than it is today.

  42. Indeed says:

    In other related news….Rush Limbaugh: Miss America Pageant Judge?

    Maybe. Still a racist asshole and de facto leader of the Republican party? Indeed.

    Not straying from the topic: Wow! The wingnuts are all astir. Glad I’m not hanging out in a Unitarian church right now.

  43. Dennis says:

    We really have many more pressing problems to resolve than engaging in this distraction. I don’t doubt that Obama feels similarly.
    –locus

    You guys seem embarrassed both for Obama and the Nobel Committee.

    And since you mention it, locus, this is further proof that it’s the progressive Left that has built him up as the Messiah and The Won and is quite obviously still vested in furthering that perception.

  44. SaveFarris says:

    Of all Obama’s many varied accomplishments, making Richard Cohen readable has to be at the top of the list.

  45. Dennis says:

    Not straying from the topic: Wow! The wingnuts are all astir. Glad I’m not hanging out in a Unitarian church right now.

    It’s related in that both decisions if the second one goes through would make about as much sense as the other. Both will have been done for their controversial effects and the buzz it creates more than anything else.

  46. Indeed says:

    The lede:

    When I saw this morning’s top New York Times headline — “Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize” — I had the same immediate reaction which I’m certain many others had: this was some kind of bizarre Onion gag that got accidentally transposed onto the wrong website, that it was just some sort of strange joke someone was playing.

    Far, far superior the nitwit comments here.

  47. mike in dc says:

    He should accept it “on behalf of…”, not as a personal award. I don’t think anyone’s actually ever declined a Nobel Prize, but he could probably focus on the people working hard for peace around the world, rather on his relatively thin resume on the matter thus far.
    But this isn’t a knock on Obama…it’s not like he was actively gunning for a Nobel…they made a strategic political decision. If anything, it’s probably a little embarrassing to him. It’s like if I wrote 2 op-eds in USA Today, and woke up to find I’d gotten a Pulitzer. A serious WTF?! moment would ensue.

  48. Indeed says:

    Both will have been done for their controversial effects and the buzz it creates more than anything else.

    When’s the deadline for the Nobel Prize in False Equivalence?

    (Dennis is equating shooting up a church in the name of Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, and Bernie Goldberg with Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Price. Really. That’s what he’s doing. I’m not kidding.)

  49. Indeed says:

    Sadly No asks:

    Other than Hank Kissinger and (maybe) Mother Teresa, have conservatives ever liked any Nobel Peace Prize Laureate?

  50. Quaker in a Basement says:

    Eat your own livers, wingnuts!

  51. mrak says:

    “We condemn the award of the Nobel Peace Prize for Obama.”
    -The Taliban

  52. Dennis says:

    (Dennis is equating shooting up a church in the name of Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, and Bernie Goldberg with Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Price. Really. That’s what he’s doing. I’m not kidding.)

    Yes, you are kidding. And you continue to further and further devolve into deep psychosis, Indeed. But since you mentioned it and since you linked to Glenn Greenwald, he makes a point about what a joke giving Obama the Nobel Peace Prize is that Ishould think would cause you more concern than what happened at a Unitarian church in one separate incident in which the perp conveniently blamed a whole host of people for his actions:

    But far more important than the lack of actual accomplishments are some of the policies over which Obama has presided that are the very opposite of peace. Already this year, he not only escalated the American war in Afghanistan, but has ordered air raids that have produced things like this.

    That was from a May airstrike in which over 100 Afghan civilians were killed by American jets — one of many similar incidents this year, including one only a week ago that killed 9 Afghan civilians. How can someone responsible for that, and who has only escalated that war, possibly be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the very same year that he did that? Does that picture above look like the work of a Nobel Peace laureate? Does this, from the May airstrike?

  53. mike in dc says:

    Angelina Jolie would have been a better choice at this point–she’s been drawing the world’s attention to the plight of refugees for years, and it would have been an equally stunning choice.
    The Nobel has been declined before, though ironically the only person to ever decline the Peace Prize was Le Duc Tho, the North Vietnamese negotiator, in 1973.

    Obama has that option or the “I don’t accept this personally, but on behalf of …” option. I’m sure this is a little bit embarrassing for him.

  54. MH says:

    The other day I did some pretty complicated math.
    I think I deserve the Nobel for Mathematics.

    There is no Nobel prize for mathematics. I guess knowing what you’re talking about is just too high a hurdle to clear for your average wingnut.

  55. I'm a Hick says:

    QIB,

    Can Quakers say that? I think what Obama has done (and whether it merits the Prize I’ll let others debate) is recognize (for better or worse) that it’s not an ‘American, fuck yeah!” world anymore.

  56. Quaker in a Basement says:

    But…but…the Olympics!!1!

  57. Indeed says:

    Atrios:

    I guess Krauthammer was right, the international regard for the United States has so fallen after Obama became President that they just awarded our Chief Executive the Nobel Peace Prize — probably for not being like Charles Krauthammer.

  58. Jay says:

    On those who were passed over:

    Sima Samar, women’s rights activist in Afghanistan: “With dogged persistence and at great personal risk, she kept her schools and clinics open in Afghanistan even during the most repressive days of the Taliban regime, whose laws prohibited the education of girls past the age of eight. When the Taliban fell, Samar returned to Kabul and accepted the post of Minister for Women’s Affairs.”

    Ingrid Betancourt: French-Colombian ex-hostage held for six years.

    “Dr. Denis Mukwege: Doctor, founder and head of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. He has dedicated his life to helping Congolese women and girls who are victims of gang rape and brutal sexual violence.”

    Handicap International and Cluster Munition Coalition: “These organizations are recognized for their consistently serious efforts to clean up cluster bombs, also known as land mines. Innocent civilians are regularly killed worldwide because the unseen bombs explode when stepped upon.”

    “Hu Jia, a human rights activist and an outspoken critic of the Chinese government, who was sentenced last year to a three-and-a-half-year prison term for ‘inciting subversion of state power.’”

    Wei Jingsheng, who spent 17 years in Chinese prisons for urging reforms of China’s communist system. He now lives in the United States.”

  59. and I’m a Hick celebrates the success of Pres Obama’s “We’re America — who cares?” campaign…

    I love it.

  60. Wilbur says:

    This is really a “made us feel like the world’s most powerful military is no longer controlled by harebrained lunatics” award. That accomplishment alone is nothing to spit at, and I congratulate Obama for it, but I wish the committee had given the award to someone with more concrete and definitive accomplishments toward, you know, actually making peace happen.

    Obama may well earn such an award in the future, but he hasn’t yet.

  61. Indeed says:

    But since you mentioned it and since you linked to Glenn Greenwald, he makes a point about what a joke giving Obama the Nobel Peace Prize

    I stand by that link. I’ve opposed bad wars and invasions from their inceptions. Where were you in ‘01 and ‘02-’03 (marching lockstep with Rush Limbaugh’s desk).

    And I stand by mocking this pathetic false equivalence:
    Both will have been done for their controversial effects and the buzz it creates more than anything else.

    And I stand by mocking Robert Stacy “Race Mixing is Icky” McCain.

    And your David Weigel comment (and TNC for that matter). Ever own up to that yet?

    And the Tenets of the Laffer Curve.

    And I’m still glad I’m not in a Unitarian church today.

    Also.

    Apologies for straying off-topic.

  62. I'm a Hick says:

    Frank, I love you, too. But as I said, that was my take on why he was given the Prize. No more, no less.

  63. jurassicpork says:

    Welcome Back to Pottersville has just obtained a draft of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

  64. Parthenon says:

    Kinda divided about this. Should you win it for simply changing perceptions (which, admittedly, the president has done brilliantly in his first year)? I’m with those who’ve said this is premature.

  65. mambochicken23 says:

    Do I think that Obama “deserves” this award?

    No. Not yet.

    Do I absolutely LOVE IT, because the wingnuts are sputtering and spitting and losing their shit?

    You better believe it.

  66. Dennis says:

    Welcome Back to Pottersville has just obtained a draft of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

    Just a hunch, but I’m guessing Kanye won’t be on the invitation list for that speech, jp.

  67. Jamaicafest says:

    President Obama is a decent man but being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize only 2 weeks after being sworn in as President is premature.

  68. Mungen_Cakes says:

    I wonder what the spin will be when his son gets born in the spring? “What’s he doing getting busy during war time? Doesn’t he know soldiers are dying for our freedom over there?”

  69. Parthenon says:

    I was thinking perhaps this is an end to that part of America’s creation myth where thumbing our nose at the rest of the world doesn’t mean we’re jerks, it just means were Bruce Willis and we don’t take no guff from wimpy Euros. But that’s probably not true. It’s too ingrained so this is probably more like a break.

    Powerline’s response has been to print a list of all the other people who won the award that they find objectionable. Did they always suck this much? Why do I remember them as smart conservatives?

  70. Repack Rider says:

    Nutwingers blaming ACORN for the “rigged vote” in three, two…

  71. Leroy Brown says:

    You know, for something you right-wingers seem to believe is irrelevant and pointless, you sure seem to be wasting a lot of time here making multiple posts about how irrelevant and pointless this all is.

  72. Nimrod Gently says:

    His accomplishments are all spelled out in complete detail in the blog post, Adam.

    He’s not George Bush.

    Which is damn good in itself.

    He’s done well turning around the despicable work of the last administration so far, but dragging his feet on torture and Gitmo – not to mention having only been there eight damn months – makes this a pretty premature award. Can’t say he deserves it. Not yet. Still, it’s worth it just to see wingnut heads explode. Plus, it’s not as if he looked for it, so fair dos.

  73. Burn says:

    You know, for something you right-wingers seem to believe is irrelevant and pointless, you sure seem to be wasting a lot of time here making multiple posts about how irrelevant and pointless this all is.

    How many Vicks Vapo-Rub tears will Glen Beck shed over this?

  74. Southern Quaker says:

    Meh. Premature at the very least. Inappropriate IMHO, due to his stances on rendition, indefinite detention and the war in Afghanistan.

    Sima Samar …
    Ingrid Betancourt …
    Dr. Denis Mukwege …
    Handicap International and Cluster Munition Coalition …
    Hu Jia …
    Wei Jingsheng …

    I’ll add to Jay’s list, just off the top of my head –

    King Abdullah of Jordan
    Sister Helen Prejean
    Arun Gandhi

    I’m sure there are many, many more who would have been more appropriate choices than Obama at this time.

    Although I gotta disagree with whomever said that Arafat getting the award was jumping the shark. That would have been Kissinger the war criminal.

  75. Southern Quaker says:

    And no, I don’t think “at least he’s not that other guy” is good enough to earn the Nobel frikkin’ peace prize for chrissakes.

  76. Southern Quaker says:

    Still, it’s worth it just to see wingnut heads explode.

    No, no it’s not. Not when it cheapens the award and ignores the myriad of candidates who have been making a real difference in the world for literally decades.

  77. joaquin says:

    You guys mistake heads exploding with side-splitting laughter.
    This Noble Prize is hilarious!!!!!!

  78. fafaroo says:

    Eat your own livers, wingnuts!

    I believe this is why he got it. The committee clearly sat down and asked themselves: What could we do that would drive the right wing totally insane? Give it to Obama? Oh snap! Yes!

    Does he deserve it? No.

    Is it incredibly entertaining to watch the wingnuts flip out? You betcha.

    Don’t even tell me that Dennis didn’t secretly thank god for giving him renewed purpose this morning.

  79. Dennis says:

    Don’t even tell me that Dennis didn’t secretly thank god for giving him renewed purpose this morning.

    I’ve read far more scathing rebukes coming from lefties than I have conservatives, fafaroo. Renewed purpose, not so sure what you mean, but it has been quite entertaining. Even here, I don’t think there’s been one lefty moonbat that has ventured so far as to even taking a crack at making a reasonable case for him deserving this award.

  80. Nimrod Gently says:

    Eh, he deserves it more than Kissinger already.

  81. Dennis says:

    Still, it’s worth it just to see wingnut heads explode.

    No, no it’s not. Not when it cheapens the award and ignores the myriad of candidates who have been making a real difference in the world for literally decades.

    I think you perhaps may have been overestimating the quality of the clientele here, SQ.

  82. jr says:

    Erick Erickson stays classy with an affirmative action reference on his twitter

  83. fafaroo says:

    I don’t think there’s been one lefty moonbat that has ventured so far as to even taking a crack at making a reasonable case for him deserving this award.

    You sound disappointed, Dennis. You need someone to play with today?

    So you got up this morning and immediately started hunting for liberals defending the decision? Then threw up 10 posts here (and counting!) as bait?

    Come on, Dennis. We know what gives your life meaning.

  84. Paul_D says:

    You guys mistake heads exploding with side-splitting laughter.
    This Noble Prize is hilarious!!!!!!

    Can’t hear you -Overdosing on schadenfreude.

  85. Dennis says:

    Come on, Dennis. We know what gives your life meaning.

    Honestly, about the only things anyone on your side seems to have derived any satisfaction from is the reaction from our side, so I kinda think I’m giving you more meaning than the other way arouond. As for me, I’m a big proponent of the health benefits from laughter.

  86. Indeed says:

    Honestly, about the only things anyone on your side seems to have derived any satisfaction from is the reaction from our side,

    Normally, I don’t think comparing your political opponents to terrorists is such a good idea. But I’m afraid that this, from the DNC, is accurate:

    “The Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists – the Taliban and Hamas this morning – in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace prize,” DNC communications director Brad Woodhouse told POLITICO. “Republicans cheered when America failed to land the Olympics and now they are criticizing the President of the United States for receiving the Nobel Peace prize – an award he did not seek but that is nonetheless an honor in which every American can take great pride – unless of course you are the Republican Party.

    “The 2009 version of the Republican Party has no boundaries, has no shame and has proved that they will put politics above patriotism at every turn. It’s no wonder only 20 percent of Americans admit to being Republicans anymore – it’s an embarrassing label to claim,” Woodhouse said.

    I honestly believe, at this point, that if, God forbid, the United States were hit with a major terrorist attack, there would be cheering in the office of the Weekly Standard.

    And why not? The most recent attacks worked out well for them, what with fear-mongering the PATRIOT Act, Iraq Invasion, “Mission Accomplished,” etc. Politics above patriotism, indeed. Those were some good times, eh?

  87. timmy says:

    I know the reason for all the thinly veiled impulsive wingnut panic commenting.

    Witness the Power of the Dark Soros!

  88. Rheinhard says:

    And, as usual, conservatives find themselves in perfect agreement with the Taliban

    Now, I am of 2 minds: I also think this is a bit premature. I think progress has been made but if for no other reason than the predictable optics of it seeming to be the “thank God you’re not Bush” prize, this should have waited a few years. But on the other hand, until the other side decides to stop acting like spoiled 8 year olds about everything (which I don’t see happening anytime soon in a party led by Glenn Beck), then it’s not too bad of a thing for the sine qua non of liberal policy to be just to annoy conservatives.

    Plus the next few days that the wingnuts spend bitching about this is a few days where they will have less time in the news cycle to try to kill health reform… :)

  89. joaquin says:

    THIS JUST IN!!!!!

    THE ONION FOLDS in light of the Obama Peace Prize.

    BWAAA HAAA HAAAA!

  90. Indeed says:

    As for me, I’m a big proponent of the health benefits from laughter.

    All you had to do was ask. Bay-roo-bay delivers:

    Combine any two (or more! it’s Arbitrary!) Outrageous Obama Outrages and see if you qualify for the Washington Post’s “America’s Next Great Wingnut” contest!

    First, choose from column A:

    (1) Barack Hussein al-Obama was personally rebuked by the International Olympics Committee because of

    (2) Barack Hussein al-Obama was personally knighted and apotheosized and then canonized by the Nobel Committee because of

    and then choose from column B:

    (1) his liberal-elitist taste in mustard
    (2) his wanton and profligate trip to New York with Michelle for a night on the town
    (3) his willingness to appease terrorists by saying “salaam-alaikum” in Cairo
    (4) his repeated Queen-touching, DVD-giving affronts to the United Kingdom
    (5) his racist attack on one of Cambridge’s Finest and his subsequent refusal to help Henry Louis Gates, Jr. down the stairs at the White House
    (6) his inability to speak extemporaneously
    (7) his promise to kill the world’s grandmothers with his bare hands
    (8) his wanton and profligate trip to Chicago with Michelle for their wedding anniversary
    (9) his Katrina-like bungling of the fatally flawed “cash for clunkers” program
    (10) his willingness to leave America open to a Soviet invasion by scrapping the Eastern European missile defense system
    (11) his abominable bowling score
    (12) his arrogant draining of a three-pointer on a basketball court in Iraq
    (13) his repeated use of the word “I”
    (14) oh, please, it’s only because he’s black

    or make up your own!

    Oh, and before I forget: in other news, the Nobel Committee announced that Herta Müller is not in fact the winner of the 2009 prize in literature. Apparently the initial announcement was the result of a kerning error, and the recipient is instead William Ayers, for Dreams from My Father.

    It’s funny ’cause wingnuts think it’s true!

  91. Dennis says:

    And, as usual, conservatives find themselves in perfect agreement with the Taliban…

    You guys mustn’t have checked your inboxes:

    Barack Obama: Taleban can be involved in Afghanistan future

    The Taliban are our new partners for peace, Rheinhard. Just because Obama already has the award doesn’t mean it’s ok to start trashing his efforts already.

  92. canadian bacon says:

    The Europeans are fucking with the nutters’ heads.
    The average American will be proud.
    Now he has to earn it.
    Obviously.

  93. Dennis says:

    White House To Scarborough “Stop Being an A-hole”

    Hilarity ensues.

    Stop being an asshole, Joe? The White House must not have read the libbie blogs this morning yet.

    The WATB White House.

  94. Indeed says:

    Projection Whiner Distraction Troll ignores the topic to shout “Look over thwaaaaaaaahhhhhhere!!”

  95. Wilbur says:

    I think Obama’s response has it about right…

    I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments. But rather as an affirmation of American leadership. … I will accept this award as a call to action

    It’s good for America for him to have this bit of leverage abroad, however small, especially since so many in this country are bent on tearing him down no matter the consequences.

  96. Nimrod Gently says:

    I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments. But rather as an affirmation of American leadership. … I will accept this award as a call to action

    Yeah, fair enough. He knows perfectly well he hasn’t earned it yet, if ever.

  97. Dennis says:

    Projection Whiner Distraction Troll ignores the topic..

    Right on topic, but hey, I’m not the one telling you guys to ‘Stop being A-Holes’, am I?

    There’s your projection whiners, Indeed. Chris Wallace had them pegged dead to rights.

  98. Indeed says:

    Chris Bowers:

    So, say what you will about the merits of the award–which I will discuss a bit later on–but the messaging is phenomenal. The world gives the finger to Republicans, Republicans can once again cheer against America, and Democrats actually get aggressive in their response messaging. That’s not nothin’.

    http://www.openleft.com/diary/15461/nobel-committee-we-really-hate-republicans

  99. Indeed says:

    More funny. Via TNC:

    From Eric Erickson over at RedState:

    I did not realize the Nobel Peace Prize had an affirmative action quota for it, but that is the only thing I can think of for this news. There is no way Barack Obama earned it in the nominations period.

    When in doubt, go with what you know.

    Ah, the Party of Lincoln. Keep Keep Keep it classy!

    http://ta-nehisicoates.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/10/the_conscience_of_a_conservative.php

  100. Indeed says:

    Observe.

    FOX Nation commentators on the Nobel Peace Prize:

    * This is part of the plan. Think about it. Part of the New World Order. He is just the puppet.
    * BARACK OBAMA IS A LIAR, THAT IS ALL HE IS AND THAT S ALL HE WILL EVER BE, NO MATTER HOW MANY FAKE BADGES AND FAKE AWARDS HE GETS.
    * Another “Award” relegated to the catagory of “political Statement” by America hating European Socialists. Who better to receive it than an America hating “American?” Socialist ?
    * Let’s face it, he got this phony left wing award because he glorifies Islam, trashes Israel, condemns America and is in the process of creating a pure Marxist state.
    * Does he need to show his birth certificate to receive his $1.4 mil ??
    * I wonder if they will reverse the award if obama continues to drive for civil unrest in the USSA???
    * Obviously BOUGHT by george sorros.
    * The president get the Nobel Peace Prize for being the person responsible for the destruction of the USA.

    One can only imagine the comments which were scrubbed from the record.

  101. Indeed says:

    Fox News Troll thinks Fox News is The Awesomeist!

  102. Crusty Dem says:

    Am I the only one who sees the irony that exactly one week ago conservatives were laughing that Obama wasn’t that popular internationally because Chicago was rejected as the olympics site??

  103. JK says:

    What a difference 10 months have made. It’s refereshing to know that we elected a President the rest of the world actually respects, and does not mock/laugh at.

    I will plan to turn on Fox at some point today. They must be apoplectic.

    This is Al Gore x 10. A sitting President. Ha.

    Note to GOP: This is what happens when you put smart people in positions to succeed. Sarah Palin, Glen Beck, and Rush Limbaugh, your current leaders, without dispute, aren’t worthy of shining Obama’s shoes.

  104. Dennis says:

    Quote from the OW.com court jester Indeed’s post:

    “The Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists – the Taliban and Hamas this morning – in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace prize,” ….
    –DNC Communications Director Brad Wodehouse

    More nonsensical whining from the Democratic Party, what else is new, but it seems there’s been an equal amount of cynical criticism from not only liberals here, but also a good part of the entire leftosphere today.

    The DNC is comparing you guys to the Taliban. There is no other way to interpret it.

  105. Buzz Killington says:

    Rheinhard:

    And, as usual, conservatives find themselves in perfect agreement with the Taliban…

    Now, I am of 2 minds: I also think this is a bit premature.

    Heh, that’s an interesting way of stating that you are in agreement with conservatives and the Taliban.

  106. cj says:

    Wow look at all the anti-Obamas going crazy here. It’s like their pride was hurt.

    Again America has gain and what does the right do…..cry how it’s unfair. Really!

    President Obama didn’t just get this award because of his presidency. Lets not forget he stood up and was against the Iraq war and he made it known that he was against it. As a presidential candidate he gave a big speech in Germany that brought 200,000 people (many waving the American flag). When he became President he gave speeches in Cairo, and Turkey opening American doors to other nations.

    President Obama has made it known that he is open to talk to any leader of any nation in hopes of peace.

    Of course to the people who are anti-Obama this is not good enough, but I say CONGRATULATIONS Mr.President and job well done for getting America back on track.

  107. cj says:

    Also President Obama decided to close Gitmo and stop torture. But yet lets look pass those small things.

    PRESIDENT OBAMA EARNED AND DESERVED THIS AWARD.

    Now go and cry in your beers.

  108. Southern Quaker says:

    Am I the only one who sees the irony that exactly one week ago conservatives were laughing that Obama wasn’t that popular internationally because Chicago was rejected as the olympics site??

    yeah, there is that.

    PRESIDENT OBAMA EARNED AND DESERVED THIS AWARD.

    Nope, gotta disagree with you on that one, cj. Making speeches is fine, but it hardly compares to the work of Oxfam, Sister Helen, or King Abdullah to name just a few.

  109. Rheinhard says:

    Wow, did somebody put some steroids in the DNC drinking water? Because in addition to that picture-perfect DNC press release asking why Republicans find themselves in agreement with the Taliban, we also have the new TR, Rep. Ala Grayson, with the following:

    “Let me say this; last week I held up this report here and I pointed out that in America there are 44,789 Americans that die every year according to this Harvard report published in this peer reviewed journal because they have no health insurance. That’s an extra 44,789 Americans who die who’s lives could be saved, and their response was to ask me for an apology.”

    “To ask me for an apology?”

    “That’s right. To ask ME for an apology!”

    “Well, I’m telling you this; I will not apologize. I will not apologize. I will not apologize for a simple reason; America doesn’t care about your feelings. I violated no rules by pulling this report to America’s attention, I think a lot of people didn’t know about it beforehand. But America DOES care about health care in America.”

    “And if you’re against it, then get out of the way. Just get out of the way. You can lead, you can follow or you can get out of the way. And I’m telling you now to get out of the way.”

    “America understands that there is one party in this country that is in favor of health care reform and one party that is against it, and they know why.”

    “They understand that if Barack Obama were somehow able to cure hunger in the world the Republicans would blame him for overpopulation”

    “They understand that if Barack Obama could somehow bring about world peace they would blame him for destroying the defense industry.”

    I dunno what happened to get the Dems heads out of their butts and start kicking crotches, but whatever it is, I’ll happily donate to buy them an extra case of it!

  110. Dennis says:

    Am I the only one who sees the irony that exactly one week ago conservatives were laughing that Obama wasn’t that popular internationally because Chicago was rejected as the olympics site??

    There is no irony because that isn’t what conservatives were laughing at, that he wasn’t popular.

  111. cj says:

    @Southern Quaker- Go ahead and disagree, but it’s not just about giving speeches. It’s about what he is willing to stand up for peace.

  112. Duros62 says:

    His accomplishments are all spelled out in complete detail in the blog post, Adam.

    He’s not George Bush.

    Works for me.

  113. Bitter Scribe says:

    Congratulations, President Barack Hussein Obama!!!! Wow, I never get tired of typing that!

    That’s good, because you’ll be doing it for the next seven years. I’d look into a macro.

  114. Indeed says:

    There is no irony because that isn’t what conservatives were laughing at, that he wasn’t popular.

    Indeed. They were laughing at the U.S. not being awarded hosts of the Olympics, because it made Obama look bad. That’s the conservatives/Republicans (interchangeable at this juncture) m.o.: Not country first, spite first. Look it up. You can because some decent people took screen shots since the Weekly Standard, for one, tried to flush their glee down the Ol’ Memory Hole. Classy as ever. This is old news at this point, by the way.

  115. Actually , he should get a second Nobel Prize just for being Obama!

  116. Indeed says:

    Over at Digby’s Blog:

    Lest You Wonder

    by dday

    …why a Democratic President received the Nobel Peace Prize essentially for not being a Republican.

    South Florida Republicans held a weekly meeting at a gun range, shooting at targets including cut-outs of a Muslim holding a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

    The GOP candidate to replace U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz fired at a full-body silhouette with “DWS” written next to its head.

    The conservative movement treats politics like warfare, warfare like a video game, and actually participating in war with a shrug and a retreat to their gated community.

  117. Buzz Killington says:

    Rheinhard:

    in addition to that picture-perfect DNC press release asking why Republicans find themselves in agreement with the Taliban

    What is this, Bizarro world? Again, you also “agree with the Taliban”, as you stated previously. How can you continue to promote that as a good criticism of Republicans, when it applies to you as well?

  118. cj says:

    I guess reducing the United States nuclear weapons and having Russia also reduce theirs is not an accomplishment. The Noble Committee disagrees. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=obama-nobel-peace

    Having Iran to open up their secret nuclear plant to inspectors and the US opening up diplomatic relationship with Iran in over 30 years is not an accomplishment.

    Having the Israeli President and Palestinian President come together do more negotiations over territory, and Israel putting a halt to settlements is not an accomplishment.

    Geez, yea right. You guys keep telling yourselves that President Obama doesn’t deserve it. Maybe it will be true if you keep saying it over and over. Yea right.

  119. fafaroo says:

    …so I kinda think I’m giving you more meaning than the other way arouond.

    So if I kinda asked you to stop you would? Please stop?

  120. Buzz Killington says:

    cj, if the questions of merit were limited to this blog thread, you may have some good points. But this is far from the only place such questions are being raised.

  121. Amused Observer says:

    LOL,
    You just can’t make this kind of thing up. So Obama was nominated 11 days after taking office according to various local experts. Well he certainly deserved it. LOL again.

    Southern Quaker quite rightly pointed out that the prize has been cheapened by Barry’s winning. But what the hell, how much cheaper can it get after Al Gore’s copping of the science award?

    On a completely different note will Barry be able to accept the cash without having an ethics problem?

  122. Indeed says:

    But what the hell, how much cheaper can it get after Al Gore’s copping of the science award?

    Henry Kissinger. Next question.

  123. SaveFarris says:

    Having Iran to open up their secret nuclear plant to inspectors and the US opening up diplomatic relationship with Iran in over 30 years is not an accomplishment.

    And all it took was us crushing those Iranian protestors back in June by quickly and eagerly declaring Ahmedenijhad to be the rightful winner of the election. We had the chance to stand of the side of Democracy and freedom. Instead, we stood with the dictator.

    I hope you’re proud. Europe is.

  124. cj says:

    @Amused Observer-Cheapened? Interesting word to use.

    I notice that every since President Obama came on the scene all his accomplishment have been seen mostly by the right as not accomplishments.

    Going to Harvard….not an accomplishment.
    Being the first African American to head the Harvard Law Review….not an accomplishment
    Being the first African American President…not an accomplishment
    Now being awarded the Noble Peace Prize….Cheapened the reward

    Mmm this is very funny. Very funny.

  125. Indeed says:

    Unintentional (or is it?) Irony of the Day:

    BECK: Of all things, the Nobel Peace Prize should be turned down by Barack Obama and given — you ready for this, oh this one’s going to make headlines — should be give to the Tea Party goers and the 9-12 Project. … Because of the arrogance of the progressives that thought no one would stand in their way. That he would be able to accomplish everything. Two weeks into his presidency, they nominated him for it and said, “oh this is going to be a slam dunk.” Because of the Tea Party goers and the 9-12 Project people that stood in his way and stopped him from accomplishing the things that he thought, “please, I’m the Messiah, I’ll be able to accomplish that.”

    So because of the “arrogance of the progressives,” Beck thinks the Nobel Peace Prize should be awarded to his pet project. Brav-o. Please tell some more about how narcissistic “The One” (er…”That One”…heh) is. Thanks in advance.

    Oh, and just a reminder of the peaceful messages the Teabaggers carried:

    http://the44diaries.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/teabaggers-gone-wild/

    Just a sampling.

    As you were.

  126. cj says:

    @SaveFarris- Ah yes, President Obama didn’t do a knee jerk reaction like so many people did and kept a level headed head like a real leader should. HOW DARE HE!

  127. Indeed says:

    What, Dr. William Hammesfahr didn’t win? It’s a travishamockery!

  128. Burn says:

    Just remember, we surround them!

  129. Nimrod Gently says:

    You are aware, Farris, that Ahmed Dinner Jacket is in no respect the leader of Iran, let alone a dictator?

  130. Michael Over Here says:

    Man, I don’t have time to sit around watching Frank, Jay and the gang scream (I have a job) but I love how crazy this stuff drives them. Every time that the right-wing freaks out over stuff like this it drives them further and further into obscurity. No one wins elections by just hating your opponent just so darn much. Obama is the president and will continue being the president. You can at least be gracious when he wins something. But keep frothing at the mouth and see where that gets you in 3 years.

  131. isms says:

    SQ – “Making speeches is fine, but it hardly compares to the work of Oxfam, Sister Helen, or King Abdullah to name just a few.”

    Given the fact that it’s a politically imbued award, giving it to either of those three mentioned would be an utter waste. However, giving it to a world leader that can potentially make a difference is smarter politically and may have a better outcome overall then giving to a person who may deserve it more.

  132. I'm a Hick says:

    Mark Twain was never awarded a Nobel. How great can they be?

  133. Indeed says:

    A blast from the past blast from the past:

    Thanks to reader “Dr. Victor Davis Handjob”, comes this story written in the conservative National Review a few months after Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964:

    “For years now, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his associates have been deliberately undermining the foundations of internal order in this country. With their rabble-rousing demagoguery, they have been cracking the “cake of custom” that holds us together. With their doctrine of “civil disobedience,” they have been teaching hundreds of thousands of Negroes — particularly the adolescents and the children — that it is perfectly alright to break the law and defy constituted authority if you are a Negro-with-a-grievance; in protest against injustice. And they have done more than talk. They have on occasion after occasion, in almost every part of the country, called out their mobs on the streets, promoted “school strikes,” sit-ins, lie-ins, in explicit violation of the law and in explicit defiance of the public authority. They have taught anarchy and chaos by word and deed — and, no doubt, with the best of intentions — and they have found apt pupils everywhere, with intentions not of the best. Sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind.”

    Will Herberg, “’Civil Rights’ and Violence: Who Are the Guilty Ones?”, The National Review Sept. 7th, 1965

    The more things change, the more they change the same. Proving that conservatives are almost always on the wrong side of history. In 1965 they attacked Dr. King and civil disobedience against racist laws that were the rule of the land, laws that were morally wrong and fundamentally un-American. Is it any wonder that the same publication arguing so strongly against the man who was one of America’s greatest leaders now attacks Al Gore? If the National Review had had its way, I would at best be writing this on the “blacks only” section of the Internet.

    Whoever posted this sure nailed it.

  134. Paul_D says:

    And all it took was us crushing those Iranian protestors back in June by quickly and eagerly declaring Ahmedenijhad to be the rightful winner of the election. We had the chance to stand of the side of Democracy and freedom. Instead, we stood with the dictator.

    “Us?”

    You want to change what’s happening in Iran? Then move to Iran. This ain’t Team America.

  135. Dennis says:

    Man, I don’t have time to sit around watching Frank, Jay and the gang scream (I have a job) but I love how crazy this stuff drives them. Every time that the right-wing freaks out over stuff like this it drives them further and further into obscurity. No one wins elections by just hating your opponent just so darn much. Obama is the president and will continue being the president. You can at least be gracious when he wins something. But keep frothing at the mouth and see where that gets you in 3 years.

    I can certainly understand the appeal of saying that, MOH, but you don’t seem to understand that the hue and cry over this decision seems to be coming from the Left, too, who apparently must also be terrorsists on the side of the Taliban. No one is screaming from either side; again, I know it must be fun to claim that, but just about everyone on both sides is scratching their heads as even a quick perusal of this blog thread will attest to. The usual suspects on the Left are trying their level-headed best to frame this as the right being anti-American but that doesn’t square with a good many of liberalism’s best and brightest who are also not in favor of this decision and see it for the farce that it is.

  136. Chow Shark says:

    I LOVE IT!!!

    First Rush spent the better of the week telling his listeners how the Chicago Olympic bid failure was evidence that the World hates Obama, then the Nobel Peace committee’s decision today contradicts that. Rush really looks like a fool more than ever.

    LOL I FUCKING LOVE IT!!!!

  137. Indeed says:

    Wattaya know? A different blast from the past twofer>:

    Conservative critics of Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize have had no shortage of criticisms, accusing the Nobel committee of everything from cheapening the honor to politicizing it.

    James Fallows remembers hearing similar reactions in 1964, when the Nobel Peace Prize went to Martin Luther King.

    The reaction was, of course, racial at its root. This was a majority-white, minority-Hispanic small town with very few black residents, which went for Barry Goldwater over Lyndon Johnson in the presidential election that same fall.

    But the stated form of the objection concerned not King’s race but his obnoxiousness as a man. He was a windbag. He was pompous and self-dramatizing, He was holier than thou. Plus, he had started getting involved where he didn’t belong, in raising questions about the Vietnam War.

    Those criticisms, of course, sound rather familiar; similar assessments are made of Gore quite frequently.

    Time will tell if historical scrutiny will make Gore’s critics look like King’s — which is to say, petty and short-sighted — but given what we know, it seems like a safe bet.

    Indeed. Time will tell. Stay classy, conservatives.

  138. Dennis says:

    The only screaming I have seen, MOH, was the White House at Joe Scarborough, actually instructing him not to be an asshole because he said Marisa Tomei was more deserving of her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress than Obama was for his Neville Nobel Award.

  139. Indeed says:

    The usual suspects on the Left are trying their level-headed best to frame this as the right being anti-American but that doesn’t square with a good many of liberalism’s best and brightest who are also not in favor of this decision and see it for the farce that it is.

    And then there are those of us Independents who can discern the difference between the announcement of the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and the full context therein (e.g., GlennZilla) and the reaction to the announcement from The Right Wing Lunatics (e.g., well, see above).

    It’s truly astounding that the reactions we heard from you know who echo so well the reactions when Gore and MLK received the same award. Truly astounding.

    Anyone know if Ol’ Gumshoe Bob, Robert Stacy “Race Mixing is Icky” McCain has shared his deep thought with us yet? I wonder if he’ll be reporting above and beyond the call of duty.

  140. Dennis says:

    First Rush spent the better of the week telling his listeners how the Chicago Olympic bid failure was evidence that the World hates Obama, then the Nobel Peace committee’s decision today contradicts that. Rush really looks like a fool more than ever.

    Citation, please, of just exactly what it is you say you love so much. Limbaugh didn’t say the world hates Obama; he said the world loves Obama because they hate America. i don’t know what he said today about the Neville Prize, but I would imagine he felt this followed the same line of logic.

    But if you have a link to him saying that, I’d like to see it. Or you can just ask Indeed; he has his transcripts usually memorized, even the one’s he never said.

  141. Dennis says:

    And then there are those of us Independents who can discern the difference between the announcement of the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and the full context therein (e.g., GlennZilla) and the reaction to the announcement from The Right Wing Lunatics (e.g., well, see above).

    What you said, Indeed, puts you squarely in the Taliban-lovin’, terrorist camps, per the DNC dictum this morning.

  142. Southern Quaker says:

    Given the fact that it’s a politically imbued award, giving it to either of those three mentioned would be an utter waste.

    How so?

    Giving it to Sister Helen would be a strong statement that the death penalty is a barbaric practice that has no place in a civilized nation, and would be a huge boost to the anti-death penalty movement in the U.S., which is gaining momentum.

    King Abdullah has done more for the mid-east peace process than any other national leader in the last decade. Awarding him the Nobel prize would some positive light on the Middle East for a change, and spotlight an Arab leader who is making great strides in transforming his country into a more open, democratic society. You know, the kind we tried to bring about in Iraq by killing people.

    Oxfam has been working tirelessly for literally decades to help the poorest in the world help themselves. Bringing well-deserved recognition to that organization would publicize its very effective methods of combating poverty and hunger, and highlight the problems of wealth disparity in the world.

  143. Paul_D says:

    But what the hell, how much cheaper can it get after Al Gore’s copping of the science award?

    Actually, Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change won the Peace Award for “for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change”.
    There are Nobel awards for Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, there is no “Science award”. You must be confused, thinking along the lines of creation museums or a “Department of Law” perhaps, merely adding to the full metric assload* of stupid in the comments today.

    *(1 assload = 10 shitload = 100 helluvalots)

  144. Southern Quaker says:

    Let me just add that I don’t think the Nobel committee has done Obama any favors in nominating him this early in his Presidency. The focus from now on is going to be on whether or not he lives up to the prize – not for what he has done, but for what is is going to do. That’s a hell of a burden for anyone.

  145. Indeed says:

    Citation, please,

    Right here. Read it and keep echoing the sentiments of 1964 Conservatives. Stay classy.

  146. Southern Quaker says:

    But what the hell, how much cheaper can it get after Al Gore’s copping of the science award?

    As Paul_D pointed out, Gore won the Peace Prize. At least get your facts straight before you troll.

    On a completely different note will Barry be able to accept the cash without having an ethics problem?

    He’s already indicated he’ll donate the money to charity.

  147. Quaker in a Basement says:

    Mark Twain was never awarded a Nobel. How great can they be?

    Twain operated in the joyous realm of pure, self-rewarding truth. Awards of any sort would be lily-gilding.

  148. mrak says:

    Minnesota Gov. (and 2012 GOP presidential hopeful) Tim Pawlenty:

    “I would say regardless of the circumstances, congratulations to President Obama for winning the Nobel Prize. I know there will be some people who are saying ‘Was it based on good intentions and thoughts or is it going to be based on good results?’ But I think the appropriate response is when anybody wins a Nobel Prize that is a very noteworthy development and designation and I think the appropriate response is to say ‘Congratulations.’”

    There, was that so hard?

  149. Dennis says:

    There, was that so hard?

    No. Well said. And I think he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for that response.

  150. canadian bacon says:

    “George Bush should have won the Nobel Peace Prize” – Hannity

    “Obama won because he hates America” – Hannity

    Keep talking

  151. Rheinhard says:

    How can you continue to promote that as a good criticism of Republicans, when it applies to you as well?

    It’s quite easy, really. A decade of listening to conservatives has taught me that self-consistency is for chumps. Nothing matters at all save that which will damage your opponent at this moment. There is no such thing as past or future. There is only the NOW.

    And right now, you guys are on the receiving end. You don’t like Obama, the Taliban doesn’t like Obama: ergo you are America hating scum.

  152. cj says:

    The #1 America hating scum has spoken and it seem that the Taliban finally found a an ally in the US….Rush agrees with the Taliban. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/09/limbaugh-on-obama-nobel-p_n_315661.html

  153. cj says:

    And oh Rush agrees with Iran too. Funny how enemies to our country are somehow allies to some now.

    So funny, but sad.

  154. canadian bacon says:

    Do you think Rush has General Electric shares?

  155. Duros62 says:

    Mark Twain was never awarded a Nobel. How great can they be?

    And Beethoven was never on a bubble gum card.

  156. Indeed says:

    And then there are those of us Independents who can discern the difference between the announcement of the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and the full context therein (e.g., GlennZilla) and the reaction to the announcement from The Right Wing Lunatics (e.g., well, see above).

    What you said, Indeed, puts you squarely in the Taliban-lovin’, terrorist camps, per the DNC dictum this morning.

    I had assumed it went without saying, but we same Independents can also tell when doofus Republican jackasses are reaching for some sort of equivalence to disparage liberals (e.g., see above italics).

  157. timmy says:

    Too bad for Dubya there wasn’t a Nobel War Prize.

  158. Felix Helix says:

    To those who haven’t watched it yet, Maddow’s first segment tonight puts forth some salient points about why Obama does indeed deserve this award. Don’t know if any of the conservatives who read this far will be willing to do so, but if they’re brave enough they might just learn something. For those of us on the left who were scratching their heads about this, take a look. It’s worth your time.

  159. cj says:

    @Felix Helix- And there is a hell of a lot of ODS going on on this thread.

    I’ll say it again CONGRATULATIONS President Obama, and you deserve the reward.

  160. Jaim says:

    I hope this thread never ends. It’s a striking testament to just how lost and pathetic Republicans have become.

    THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE DOESN’T MATTER ARGH ARGH OBAMA DIDN’T DESERVE THIS MEANINGLESS AWARD ARGH ARGH I CAN’T STOP POSTING ABOUT THIS MEANINGLESS AWARD ARGH ARGH MOMMY ARGH ARGH BRING ME MORE CHEETOHS AND MOUNTAIN DEW ARGH ARGH!!!

  161. Jaim says:

    State Department: Better To Have Accolades Thrown at the President than Shoes

    http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/state-dept-better-to-get-thrown-accolades-than-shoes.php?ref=fpa

    I still think it was an unfair choice, but then again there are two benefits to this. One, Republicans are becoming even more insane than usual, which means a number of them will need electro-shock therapy by the end of the weekend and two, this might revitalize Obama from his recent defensiveness and realize that the world is watching and hoping for America to become the moral leader in international affairs that it should be.

    Congratulations Mr. President. Continue to make us proud.

  162. Bruce Henry says:

    As the only “out” liberal in my branch office, I was asked several times Friday to defend the choice of Obama for the prize. I wish I could have carried that Maddow clip around with me. Thanks, Felix, for pointing it out to me. Good points about Tutu, etc.

  163. Dennis says:

    You guys need Rachel to explain to you what a whole day of pondering on your own left you befuddled over, Bruce?

    It’s not as bad as CNN feeling the need to fact check Fred Armisen on SNL asking what Obama has done, but it’s not far from it.

  164. durablend says:

    Glenn Beck: “WHY…NOT…MEEEEEEEEEEEE?!?!?”

  165. Dennis says:

    Because its a lefty circle jerk, durablend, and he’s not invited.

  166. Bruce Henry says:

    Well, Dennis, I found out about it at around 7:00, got dressed, went to work, and by 8:15, I was hearing about it from my co-workers.

    So, no, I didn’t have a whole day to “be befuddled”, but thanks for the wholly unwarranted snark.

    I’ll be the first to admit I’m not as smart, informed, or eloquent as Rachel Maddow, or as effective as a spokesman for a point of view at odds with the concensus of the conservatives at the office where I work. So, yeah, I wish I had thought of the things Ms Maddow said in that segment. And screw you.

  167. anotherbozo says:

    Was going to post a link to Maddow’s pointers but Felix happily beat me to it. As one who never thought the award was “premature,” I think the notion that the award was “motivational” says it best.

    When I read these comments the concept of “emotional maturity” always comes to mind, and speaking of which, I’m sure Obama isn’t about to let the award alter his agenda or sense of self in any way. Michael Moore thinks Obama should have had to “earn” the Prize, but he’s not wired that way, sorry Mike. The Prize may give him yet more heft in international relations, or it may help fuel his resolve in the darker hours of frustration that every human must feel, from time to time, who fights for social justice and, ultimately, peace in the world.

    Interesting to see what happens re: the cash award. A donation to a good cause, like the free clinics?

  168. Well, Felix , I summoned up all the courage I could muster, and I watched 11 minutes of Rachel Maddow. Convincing, but I wonder: If Pre Obama had not been elected, would he have still been awarded the Nobel Prize? After all, everything he did to deserve it, was done before the Election.

  169. anotherbozo says:

    Frank: Candidate Obama and President Obama had a large stage, Senator Obama not so much. Far less likely is my guess, unless President Hillary made him Secretary of State…

  170. Repack Rider says:

    Does anyone remember Bush Derangement Syndrome?

    Those were good times.

  171. Parthenon says:

    The most surreal thing I’ve read in the wingersphere since yesterday – by far – was that Bush should have won a Peace Prize.

  172. cj says:

    @Dennis- No I didn’t need Rachel Maddow to explain it because she said basically what I’ve said, but visuals always work better.

  173. canadian bacon says:

    Judging from some of the hysterical and negative comments from the but bar gallery, one would think your Pres winning the NPP is worse than 911 was. Very strange.

  174. OxyCon says:

    Nobel Speech Prize.

  175. Repack Rider says:

    I’m going with the Sarah Palin defense WRT Obama’s Nobel: “Anything that makes wingnut heads explode is a good thing.”

  176. Zython says:

    If Pre Obama had not been elected, would he have still been awarded the Nobel Prize? After all, everything he did to deserve it, was done before the Election.

    I can tell you this, he still would’ve deserved it far more than McCain.

  177. Jody says:

    The part the wingers don’t get, and never will, is that the award to Obama is as much a statement about the people that voted for him as the man himself.

    The very fact that the US elected a man who wouldn’t continue Bush’s foreign policy of blithering aggression was enough to convince the Nobel committee that recognition was necessary.

    The fact that the wingers don’t get this is just further proof of how insular and deluded they are.

  178. That’s great, Jody, so you’re saying that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee was telling all the people who didn’t vote for Pres Obama to go f*ck themselves. They sound like Obama supporters to me!

  179. calling all toasters says:

    the Nobel Peace Prize Committee was telling all the people who didn’t vote for Pres Obama to go f*ck themselves.

    Oh, Frank, the whole freaking civilized world has been telling you that. You’re only hearing it now?

  180. Chow Shark says:

    Russsia has some interesting views on Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize win:

    http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1009/p06s13-woeu.html

  181. Chow Shark says:

    Russia has some interesting views on Obama’s Nobel Prize win:

    http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1009/p06s13-woeu.html

  182. Calling all toasters : Your arrogance is appalling — so now you are saying that “you people” are civlized, and “we pwople” are not?

    If “you people” had your way, the next Election would be :

    Row A BH Obama

    Row B The Gulag

    Row B Arbeicht macht Frei

    You lefties are amazing — simply amazing !

    There are no bounds to your conceit, your arrogance , your hubris.

  183. Zython says:

    Your arrogance is appalling — so now you are saying that “you people” are civlized, and “we pwople” are not?

    The teabagger protests certainly haven’t shown otherwise.

  184. Congrats, Mr. President, Now Earn It
    By Clarence Page, Tribune Media Services
    Congratulations to President Barack Obama on his Nobel Peace Prize. I hope he now can do something to earn it. He could begin by bringing peace to American streets, such as those in his hometown.

  185. Yeah, there has been a lot of violence associated with the 9/12 movement. If I could only remember where or when it happpened — perhaps you could refresh my memory. Apparently the window breaking, cop assaulting, car burning tactics of the left are not violence , or uncivilized, in your book.

  186. Zython says:

    If I could only remember where or when it happpened — perhaps you could refresh my memory.

    Try here, for starters.

    Apparently the window breaking, cop assaulting, car burning tactics of the left are not violence , or uncivilized, in your book.

    1. Don’t recall any of that happening since, oh, 40 years ago. Talk about living in the past.

    2. I guess perfectly civilized and rational people bring assault rifles to town hall meetings where the PotUS will be attending.

  187. Dennis says:

    Obama’s lesson to children:

    Success is 99 percent aspiration and 1 percent perspiration.

  188. Zython : That Census Worker was not killed a Town Hall meeting …

    Here’s a story from a long, long time ago — in kid’s years :

    http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=94855&page=1

  189. calling all toasters says:

    If “you people” had your way, the next Election would be :

    Row A BH Obama

    Row B The Gulag

    Row B Arbeicht macht Frei

    Frank, take your meds.

  190. Felix Helix says:

    Jody: The very fact that the US elected a man who wouldn’t continue Bush’s foreign policy of blithering aggression was enough to convince the Nobel committee that recognition was necessary.

    Frank: So you’re saying that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee was telling all the people who didn’t vote for Pres Obama to go f*ck themselves.

    No, that’s not what Jody is saying, and it’s not what the NPP Committee is saying either. I disagree with Jody (and others) that Obama got the award simply by virtue of not being Bush; there are a lot of people who aren’t Bush, but most of them aren’t the U.S. President outlawing torture and calling for an end to nuclear weapons. Those are two steps among several he’s taken toward a more peaceful world.

    Whom the non-supporters of Obama should fuck has nothing to do with it. I say, fuck in whatever way brings you (and your partner) the greatest pleasure. If that means fucking yourself, by all means — go and do it, and see if you can channel some of that frustration into a pleasurable activity. Bring a little more peace to this world. Who knows? There might be a prize in it for you someday.

  191. canadian bacon says:

    Dennis – “Obama’s lesson to children:
    Success is 99 percent aspiration and 1 percent perspiration.”

    Conservatives’ lesson to children –

    “Your fate is pre ordained by God, race and social class, so don’t even bother aspiring or perspiring.”

  192. gumby says:

    “If “you people” had your way, the next Election would be :

    Row A BH Obama

    Row B The Gulag

    Row B Arbeicht macht Frei”

    …wtf?

  193. calling all toasters – I’d consider that a personal attack, but you’re such an idiot, you wouldn’t understand me , anyway.

    Now, would you like to continue, with more chimp – like feces slinging. or can you pull your IQ into triple didgits and amaze us with some insight.

  194. Buzz Killington says:

    Conservatives’ lesson to children – “Your fate is pre ordained by God, race and social class, so don’t even bother aspiring or perspiring.”

    Actually, that’s the liberal mindset. Thus, government must step in and help.

  195. Buzz Killington says:

    And Oliver, I have to call you out about your post about civility a short time ago. Some commenters should have been banned that same day, yet they weren’t, and things have now resumed as they were. Don’t waste our time again.

  196. Repack Rider says:

    Conservatives’ lesson to children – “Your fate is pre ordained by God, race and social class, so don’t even bother aspiring or perspiring.”

    Actually, that’s the liberal mindset. Thus, government must step in and help.

    Because everyone knows that Barack Obama had everything in life given to him, even though he screwed around and drank and used drugs until he was 40 years old, while George W. Bush earned his way into Yale on his grades alone, studied hard and worked his…

    Wait.

  197. calling all toasters says:

    Frank sez, pt. 1: There are no bounds to your conceit, your arrogance , your hubris.

    Frank sez, pt. 2: you wouldn’t understand me , anyway… can you pull your IQ into triple didgits and amaze us with some insight.

    Gotta love it.

  198. amateurfoam says:

    I heard on the radio that this nomination came only 11 days after he took office. Its as if it was planned, regardless of what he was going to actually do with his presidency.

  199. Cory says:

    Congrats to Oliver for winning 195 comments on this post!

    I’ve really been enjoying hearing people argue about this news. I think it’s great so many people care so intensely about the meaning of a peace prize. You would think conservatives would totally write the thing off but no! And when I first heard it, I was totally on the “what for” side … for about 30 thirty seconds.

    But now I’m arguing that Obama deserves an award for ushering peace in one of the most — if not the most — influential countries in the world. It ain’t easy being elected United States President on a campaign of “let’s change pretty-much everything we’ve been doing.” More than being a not-Bush, he convinced and organized the electorate, the majority of us Americans, to vote for peace — and not-war — for at least the next 4 years, and that is a serious accomplishment worthy of international recognition.

    Proving one of us could do all that while just a young senator in the racial minority was just icing on the cake.

    Lots of down sides to the win, of course. But, the good thing is, Obama made it cool to be an optimist.

  200. gumby says:

    Oh Cory, we’ve moved waaaaaay past the topic of the post now and are into the festering rage and ceaseless vituperation phase. 195 comments on this blog is not good. Anything worthwhile tends to get said in maybe 50, max. The rest is wingnuts foaming at the mouth.

    Yours from the gulag (Row B)…

  201. Dennis says:

    gumby,

    Of the 190+ posts, which one if you could choose displayed foaming at the mouth, rage and vituperation. Seems most conservatives have pretty much been having fun with this that I can tell. Maybe you see it differently, but could you please point one out so I’ll know just how it is liberals define as rage and vituperation?

  202. The problem with your comment, calling all toasters, is that the two comments of mine were addressed to two different people for two different reasons.

    And, gumby, I agree with Dennis, I am not angry with Pres Obama for winning the Nobel Prize. I feel sorry for him, because he has been rewarded once again for doing nothing. He must feel like crap by now.

  203. Buzz Killington says:

    Repack, so you don’t like “social programs”? Sweet, good for you.

  204. calling all toasters says:

    The problem with your comment, calling all toasters, is that the two comments of mine were addressed to two different people for two different reasons.

    Gee, thanks, Frank. I had no idea that two different people were posting under my sobriquet. Because both those posts were addressed to me.

    Now… will you please take your meds?

  205. Jody says:

    lol.

    Calling All Toasters: I’m glad I’m not the first one to notice. Seriously, this Nobel thing has pissed the right off more than I thought it would.

    Felix: those are good points. I believe the Nobel committee’s decision was first based upon the election of a pro-peace black man in a country notorious for it’s antipathy for both, and then his subsequent actions sealed the deal. Yes, he isn’t moving fast enough on some issues for us, but he’s moving in the right direction, and there’s a lot of damage to undo.

    I mean, A LOT.

    Folks like Frank and company will never understand that.

  206. Calling all toasters, it was two different posts, was it not ?

    You don’t think I ran around looking to see, did you ?

    You’re not that important.

    Of course, a mistake must indicate some serious pathology, not a minor thing like dismissively telling someone you don’t even know to take their meds.

    Good thing that wasn’t an insult (in liberal terms) or a personal attack (in liberal terms), or Oliver might have to enforce his new rule which has been broken since he mentioned it, by liberals in a ratio of about 16 to 1 compared to conservatives.

    This confirms an observation that I made years ago, that liberals are almost invariably the first to resort to personal attacks in a political debate.

    Yeah, Jody, I am fully aware of the fact that Pres Obama has you convinced that the United States was on the brink of ruin and destruction, until he stepped in on Inauguration and changed not a goddamed thing, except to tack another $700 Billion onto the deficit with plans to add a trillion dollars more, if he can get away, with another stimulus package on the way.

    Pres Hopey Change looks to become the President who spent more money in his administration, than did all the Presidents going back to John Hanson.

  207. calling all toasters says:

    Frank sez, part n: The problem with your comment, calling all toasters, is that the two comments of mine were addressed to two different people for two different reasons.

    Frank sez, part n + 1: Calling all toasters, it was two different posts, was it not ?

    Frank– Is this some sort of admission of error? If so, it’s much appreciated. Even though I don’t understand how two contradictory comments about me become consistent by virtue of being in two separate posts. What’s next: it’s not a contradiction if it’s in two different sentences?

  208. SaveFarris says:

    More than being a not-Bush, he convinced and organized the electorate, the majority of us Americans, to vote for peace — and not-war — for at least the next 4 years

    What campaign were you watching. During the general election, Obama ran on:

    * tax cuts for 95% of Americans
    * “What I’ve proposed is a net spending cut”
    * escalation in Afghanistan/Pakistan.

    A vote for Obama was a vote precisely *FOR* warmaking, just in a different theatre of focus than it had been.

  209. Repack Rider says:

    A vote for Obama was a vote precisely *FOR* warmaking, just in a different theatre of focus than it had been.

    McCain was the “peace” candidate? Now you tell us.

  210. Felix Helix says:

    Frank: Pres Hopey Change looks to become the President who spent more money in his administration, than did all the Presidents going back to John Hanson.

    Had to look that one up. Interesting how none of my history textbooks in school even mentioned President John Hanson. Why, that impostor George Washington’s got a state and the national capital named after him, and what’s Hanson got? A bunch of hockey players that aren’t even Americans! If They aren’t telling us the truth about that, just imagine what else They aren’t telling us!

  211. mambochicken23 says:

    Actually, that’s the liberal mindset. Thus, government must step in and help.

    False.

    Some commenters should have been banned that same day, yet they weren’t, and things have now resumed as they were. Don’t waste our time again.

    Don’t like how this site is run? Get your own damn blog.

    than did all the Presidents going back to John Hanson.

    Um… what?

    Good thing that wasn’t an insult (in liberal terms) or a personal attack (in liberal terms), or Oliver might have to enforce his new rule which has been broken since he mentioned it, by liberals in a ratio of about 16 to 1 compared to conservatives.

    Nice figure. Pull numbers out of your ass much, Frank?

    A vote for Obama was a vote precisely *FOR* warmaking, just in a different theatre of focus than it had been.

    Farris, you’re not actually wrong about that. Although I think most citizens would argue that Afghanistan was and should be the focus of our overseas operations, and that Iraq was a bloody fucking catastrophe, and stupid to boot. The true “peace” candidate would have been Kucinich or something. But compared to McCain, a vote for Obama was a vote for peace.

  212. Zython says:

    You’re not that important.

    Now who’s being arrogant?

    Of course, a mistake must indicate some serious pathology, not a minor thing like dismissively telling someone you don’t even know to take their meds.

    You’d have a point if this were an isolated incident.

  213. cj says:

    Wow, you guys still arguing over this? People go and live your lives.

  214. Jaim says:

    The wing-nuts here sure do love to talk about how unimportant this prize was.

  215. Paul_D says:

    Seems most conservatives have pretty much been having fun with this that I can tell

    Us librulz too, mostly after our stocks in Depends shot through the roof.

  216. ‘Now that Pres Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize, you think he’ll finally be satisfied and go home to Chicago, and leave the rest of us alone?’

    Sure; just as soon as you do the same damn thing.

  217. Dennis says:

    Nobel Peace Prize winner’s White House tells gays to put back on their pajamas, calls them part of the ‘internet Left fringe’.

    HARWOOD: Sure but If you look at the polling, Barack Obama is doing well with 90% or more of Democrats so the White House views this opposition as really part of the “internet left fringe” Lester. And for a sign of how seriously the White House does or doesn’t take this opposition, one adviser told me today those bloggers need to take off their pajamas, get dressed and realize that governing a closely divided country is complicated and difficult.

  218. Buzz Killington says:

    mambochicken13:

    Don’t like how this site is run? Get your own damn blog.

    In your eagerness to say something snarky, you missed the point. Oliver can run this blog however he sees fit. I’m just saying he should actually run the blog the way he claims to see fit, and not just make empty threats.

  219. fafaroo says:

    Nobel Peace Prize winner’s White House tells gays to put back on their pajamas, calls them part of the ‘internet Left fringe’.

    Let me be the first to thank you, Dennis, for your vote of support for the continuing effort to get this White House to forget what narrow-minded, right-leaning morons might think and to sincerely join the inevitable march of social progress by ending DADT and DOMA.

  220. Dennis says:

    I’d tell you that you were welcome if that’s what I was saying, fafaroo, but alas, it is not.

    This newly crowned prince of peace has not only sent his advisors out to whine about unfair treatment coming from Fox News, the only news outlet not kissing his ring currently, but now he’s telling the one group that’s starting to get a little impatient with his speechifying that they need to just STFU and try to understand how gosh darn hard it is to govern in a closely divided country, even though you control every branch of government with a supposed mandate.

    Boldness, fafaroo. Like Folgers Coffee in the morning.

  221. Indeed says:

    Have the Wingnut Christianists screeched at how the NPP is further evidence that Obama is The Antichrist? Because they really ought to have by now. What does the award do to the Rapture Index? What are the Left Behinders saying?

  222. fafaroo says:

    I’d tell you that you were welcome if that’s what I was saying, fafaroo, but alas, it is not.

    Bu you do support repealing DADT and DOMA, right?

  223. Indeed says:

    Fox News Troll still prefers Fox News. Presumbably because it’s so awesome.

  224. Indeed says:

    Bu you do support repealing DADT and DOMA, right?

    Only anonymously on a blog. Never brings it up at the “meetings.”

  225. Dennis says:

    Fox News Troll still prefers Fox News. Presumbably because it’s so awesome.

    Certainly over CNN and that Obama network that tries so hard to be the exact opposite of Fox, even further left than Fox is right. One guy scoffs at Obama getting the NPP and the White House immediately issues an edict to him to ’stop being an asshole’. Now that same White House sends their goons out to cry about the gosh-darn unfairness of it all that Fox isn’t playing nice to this guy that is so transformative; or would be if everyone just went along with him.

  226. Indeed says:

    Fox News Troll just keeps on talking about the pure awesomeness that is Fox News as though someone is listening. On and on and on…

  227. Dennis says:

    Fox News Troll just keeps on talking about the pure awesomeness that is Fox News as though someone is listening. On and on and on…

    And hopefully you’re starting to get a clearer picture of what Obama and his inner circle think of you guys at the far Left fringes, Indeed. I mean, where else ya gonna go?

    Governing is difficult and complicated, dude.

  228. Dennis says:

    Per Glenn Greenwald, here is the newly announced Nobel Peace Prize winner’s handjob to the far Left fringes:

    As for the “you-have-to-wait” justification, here’s the time-line of the Democratic Party mentality on all such matters:

    2004-2006: “You have to wait until we win a Congressional majority in the 2006 midterms.”

    2006-2008: “You have to wait until we win the White House in 2008.”

    January-May, 2009: “You have to wait until we have a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.”

    Currently: “You have to wait until after the 2010 midterms so we preserve our majority” or “you have to wait until Obama is safely re-elected in 2012.”

    Once Obama is safely re-elected, it will be: “you have to wait so you don’t jeopardize the 2014 midterms.” That’s the mentality that produces majority power which exists for no real purpose but to perpetuate itself.

    And the far Left fringe response? “Whatever you think’s best, boss.”

  229. Repack Rider says:

    hopefully you’re starting to get a clearer picture of what Obama and his inner circle think of you guys at the far Left fringes

    I didn’t realize how much more you cared for us than President Obama does.

    Your concern is touching. I’m getting a little verklempt.

  230. Indeed says:

    And the far Left fringe response? “Whatever you think’s best, boss.”

    Hadn’t noticed that. Do you have any citation?

  231. fafaroo says:

    And the far Left fringe response? “Whatever you think’s best, boss.”

    Of course, that hasn’t been the response at all.

    But Dennis, thank you again for demanding serious and real action towards repealing DADT and DOMA. I know we haven’t always agreed on most issues but your support of gay rights and specifically gay marriage is much appreciated.

  232. Indeed says:

    But Dennis, thank you again for demanding serious and real action towards repealing DADT and DOMA. I know we haven’t always agreed on most issues but your support of gay rights and specifically gay marriage is much appreciated.

    If only anonymously on a blog comment (but every little bit helps, I guess). Publicly, and at the “meetings,” it’s a whole ‘nother story.

  233. Sean D. Martin says:

    Dennis: And the far Left fringe response? “Whatever you think’s best, boss.”

    Well, yes. If you want to look to the far fringe you’ll find any nonsensical view you want.

    You’ll find many, here and in general, who are on the left and have been critical of Obama and the Dems for exactly the kind of excuse-making Greenwald described.

  234. Indeed says:

    Well, yes. If you want to look to the far fringe you’ll find any nonsensical view you want.

    How “fringe” is defined plays a part too. Seems to shift with the point of view and the situation.

  235. Dennis says:

    How “fringe” is defined plays a part too. Seems to shift with the point of view and the situation.

    I haven’t been witness to any far left fringe meetings lately, Indeed, but I’m pretty sure they’d probably consider you a little too ‘out there’ to do them any good.

    If they allow you membership and prove me wrong, please drop me a line and let me know, will ya?

  236. Dennis says:

    You’ll find many, here and in general, who are on the left and have been critical of Obama and the Dems for exactly the kind of excuse-making Greenwald described.

    The roar is deafening, Sean. I almost thought a tea party was going to break out here.

  237. fafaroo says:

    The roar is deafening, Sean. I almost thought a tea party was going to break out here.

    Dennis, I for one applaud your far left fringe position on this issue as I too would like to see Obama move his ass and make marriage equality a reality for millions of gay couples in America.

    So let’s make some noise!!!

    Do you need help organizing a “Repeal DOMA” protest in your neighborhood? I would be happy to hook you up with some local activists who could come over to assist.

  238. Dennis says:

    You weren’t in DC yesterday with Lady GaGa, were you, fafaroo?

  239. LTMidnight says:

    @Dennis:This newly crowned prince of peace has not only sent his advisors out to whine about unfair treatment coming from Fox News, the only news outlet not kissing his ring currently

    Fox News should keep their mouths shut over this if they know what’s good for them.

  240. fafaroo says:

    You weren’t in DC yesterday with Lady GaGa, were you, fafaroo?

    I wasn’t there in person but, like you, Dennis, I was with them in spirit.

  241. bryan says:

    Hey Oliver, any new news? Please?

  242. Jaim says:

    Dennis is Lady Gaga?

  243. Jaim says:

    “Hey Oliver, any new news?”

    Oliver is lurking in Dan Snyder’s garage with a machete. He’ll be back with us once the mission is accomplished.

  244. Fred says:

    Barack Obama is an opposition leader who restored the rule of law and set about reintegrating his country into the family of nations. If he did this in any third world country none of the wingers would be questioning his qualifications for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the fact that he did it in the nation with the most powerful standing military force and the greatest nuclear arsenal in the world makes the achievement thousands of times more important and meaningful.

    The correct response to winger whining is – You lost. Get over it. We are having our international reputation restored by a capable and intelligent leader.

  245. calling all toasters says:

    Oliver is lurking in Dan Snyder’s garage with a machete. He’ll be back with us once the mission is accomplished.

    Oh, there he is.

  246. Ignatz says:

    Oliver is tweeting, so we know he’s alive.

    http://twitter.com/owillis

  247. Amused Observer says:

    LOL,
    Ollie has been rendered speechless by the dubious honor the Norskis have bestowed upon Barry. Following in the footsteps of Arafat, Carter, and Gore, Obama surpassed them all by completing his prizewinning accomplishments just 11 days after the election.

    Who’d have thought creating record deficits, devaluing the dollar, practicing diplomacy with cheap Walmart giftpacks, abandoning allies, kissing up to dictators, placating Russia, fostering socialism, attempting to destroy our healthcare sysrtem and polarizing the nation would pay off so handsomely. Next year Obama and his ghost writer Bill Ayers will undoubtedly sew up the Literature division.

  248. Quaker in a Basement says:

    Obama surpassed them all by completing his prizewinning accomplishments just 11 days after the election.

    Who’d have thought creating record deficits, devaluing the dollar, practicing diplomacy with cheap Walmart giftpacks, abandoning allies, kissing up to dictators, placating Russia, fostering socialism, attempting to destroy our healthcare sysrtem and polarizing the nation would pay off so handsomely.

    He did all that in just 11 days?

  249. Amused Observer says:

    You got me Quaker,
    He was still sort of pretending to be somewhat balanced at 11 days.

  250. Jaim says:

    Obama hates capitalism so much that the DOW is nearing 10,000, up significantly from where it was under Bush II.

  251. Dennis says:

    Unemployment at 10% and the real unemployment rate at 17%, gold at an all-time high, garagantuan deficits and top economists predicting the liklihood of a double dip and/or significantly higher inflation ala Jimmy Carter era; and a certain private school person thinks it’s cool beans that the DOW is 4,000 points under its highs of the Bush Years.

  252. Buzz Killington says:

    Ugh, lets call this. The Nobel committee is worse than the Nazis… thread closed. :)

  253. SaveFarris says:

    Dennis, you left out the complete collapse of the Dollar. The drop in the Dollar has rendered the “rise” in the DOW irrelevant.

  254. calling all toasters says:

    Dennis sez: Obama is entirely responsible for the recession that began in 2007 and for turning the Clinton surplus into the Bush deficit, as well as the drop in the Dow from October 2007 until he took office. He is not responsible for what the Dow has done since he took office. Certainly, if the economy turns around, that will be due to the wise policies of George W. Bush finally taking effect.

  255. Indeed says:

    Fox News, no kidding:

    <blockquote.Remember this? Here is how Fox "News" reported on a high-speed-railway project earlier this year: (emp add)

    KELLY: It’s a super railroad, of sorts — a line that will deliver customers straight from Disney, we kid you not, to the doorstep of the moonlight bunny ranch brothel in Nevada. I say, to the moonlight Bunny Ranch brothel in Nevada.

    Enough said.

  256. Dennis says:

    Fox News, no kidding:

    uggabugga.com, Indeed???

    Again, let me know when you get acceptance into any far left internet fringe groups or if they’re still telling you you need to become a little more mainstream for their admission standards.

  257. Dennis says:

    Nobel Peace Prize winner….Whiner-in-Chief
    –John Nichols
    The Nation

    The Obama administration really needs to get over itself.

    First, the president and his aides go to war with Fox News because the network maintains a generally anti-Obama slant.

    Then, an anonymous administration aide attacks bloggers for failing to maintain a sufficiently pro-Obama slant.

    These are not disconnected developments.

    An administration that won the White House with an almost always on-message campaign and generally friendly coverage from old and new media is now frustrated by its inability to control the debate and get the coverage it wants….

    Attacking Fox News and far left internet fringe bloggers for not being pro-Obama enough all part of the same strategy. Just like attacking Rush Limbaugh out of the gate back in February. ‘Look at those shiny things over there.’ And liberal bloggers and their followers do what?……they look over there.

  258. Indeed says:

    uggabugga.com, Indeed???

    Person 1 makes claim X
    There is something objectionable about Person 1
    Therefore claim X is false

    Ah, just like the old David Weigel smear. Classic.

    Let’s review the relevant quote:

    KELLY: It’s a super railroad, of sorts — a line that will deliver customers straight from Disney, we kid you not, to the doorstep of the moonlight bunny ranch brothel in Nevada. I say, to the moonlight Bunny Ranch brothel in Nevada.

    Any comment?

  259. Indeed says:

    Just like attacking Rush Limbaugh out of the gate back in February

    Did Rush Limbaugh stop being a racist asshole? Did he ever apologize for many years of serial racist assholery? Did Dittohead defenders of the racist asshole ever come clean? I missed that. Maybe Larry Wilmore could shed some light on this. Maybe the NFL players could help.

  260. Dennis says:

    Did Dittohead defenders of the racist asshole ever come clean?

    Even Keith Olbermann is defending Rush Limbaugh, now, Indeed. You might need to swing a little further center to a somewhat more sane sector of the far left fringes. When you’re far to the left of Keith Olbermann, it’s time to do a sanity check on yourself. Or have someone else do it for you.

  261. Indeed says:

    Um, when did I say that I disagreed with Olbarmann’s suggestion that there not be a character test for NFL ownership? As with the Skokie Situatioun some years back, I’ll defend the Nazis right to march, but I still don’t like that they do it (let alone exist).

    Let’s go back to the original question(s):

    Did Rush Limbaugh stop being a racist asshole? Did he ever apologize for many years of serial racist assholery? Did Dittohead defenders of the racist asshole ever come clean?

    Would you care for some racist quotes and video links from your hero to go with that?

    Lemme know when you have some specific answers to these specific questions. Thanks in advance.

  262. Dennis says:

    Would you care for some racist quotes and video links from your hero to go with that?

    How about next time there’s a thread on Rush Limbaugh?

    How about then, Indeed?

  263. Indeed says:

    Ah, the Cherry Picking Questions to Answer Dodge. Also classic. The questions.

    Did Rush Limbaugh stop being a racist asshole? Did he ever apologize for many years of serial racist assholery? Did Dittohead defenders of the racist asshole ever come clean?

    Care to answer these (with specific citations, please)?

  264. Dennis says:

    Yes, next time there’s a Rush Limbaugh thread. Or maybe you can look around the far left fringe internets and see if another blog has a Limbaugh thread going and I’ll do it there.

    Let me know.

  265. Indeed says:

    So there you have it kids:

    Rush Limbaugh is still a racist asshole; at least one Dittohead defender cannot dispute this. Who could have predicted?

  266. Indeed says:

    Tom Tomorrow’s The Idea of Obama.

  267. fafaroo says:

    Again, let me know when you get acceptance into any far left internet fringe groups …

    Since it’s apparent that one can’t get more far left fringe than supporting gay marriage, welcome to the club Dennis!

  268. fafaroo says:

    But, Dennnis, don’t you think it’s a little hypocritical of you to hold such a far left fringe position, as your support for gay marriage, while attacking Indeed for being far left?

  269. Dennis says:

    No, fafaroo. Indeed is further left than Far Left. Quite farther Left, actually. It’s not that I support gay marriage, it’s that I don’t really give a crap either way. Plus those two guys on Modern Family with the Vietnamese baby are funny as hell. That and you gusy are only offering token anger to Obama’s stringing you along.

  270. fafaroo says:

    It’s not that I support gay marriage, it’s that I don’t really give a crap either way.

    Wait a second. You don’t support gay marriage? But Dennis, why are you then criticizing people for not being militant enough against Obama’s gay rights double talk?

    You’re actually criticizing people for not pushing hard enough for a policy that you don’t support?

  271. Dennis says:

    But Dennis, why are you then criticizing people for not being militant enough against Obama’s gay rights double talk?
    –fafaroo

    It’s a perfect example of your hypocrisy, that’s why. Just like when so many liberal feminists gave Clinton a pass on his serial molestations. I stated it above, yet you ask again as if you have something you think is a contradiction, but it’s not. Obama artfully tells you what you want to hear, you offer token objection, then you brag about it later as proof you aren’t an Obama sycophant.

  272. fafaroo says:

    It’s a perfect example of your hypocrisy, that’s why.

    But Dennis, now you’re saying you support Obama’s position on gay marriage.

    Why are you not cheerleading for the success of his entire presidency?

  273. Jaim says:

    I’ve come full circle. As mentioned, I wasn’t too stoked about Obama winning the prize, but seeing wing-nuts completely lose their fucking minds over it makes me think that Norwegians have a bigger sense of humor than I thought.

    Again, congratulations Mr. President. Thank for bringing even more honor to America, despite the protests of The Taliban and Republicans.

  274. Mas says:

    Much has been made inside and outside the community of the Norwegian’s decision to award the President of the United States with one of the world’s most recognizable award. Interesting how after only 9 months in office, the President is blamed for the poor economy, for unemployment, for Afghanistan and every imaginable abomination, but award the Nobel prize for peace and wait a minute. What did he do to earn that? He has not accomplished anything! “It’s too early!”

    If we are to follow the logic “it’s too early” or “intent” should not qualify then Archbishop Desmond Tutu awarded the Nobel Peace Price 1984 for being vocal against and calling for the end to apartheid, which didn’t end until ten years later (1994) should have turned down the award. Aung San Suu Kyi, awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1991 for speaking out against the military junta in Myanmar (formerly Burma). To date the military junta remains in control. She should have turned down the award. The U.S. Navy recently (October 9, 2009) commissioned a ship named in honor of the late Medgar Evers for efforts to improve civil rights for all, since we have not achieved this goal, should his family request his name be removed and the ship commissioned with another name?

    For a number of opponents and supporters of the President of the United States, the Norwegian committee has devalued their award and is “putting the cart before the horse.” But I ask this, has the Norwegian committee issued an award ahead of the curve previously? And for those who are trying to set their values the paradigm for the rest of us on when to award someone, do we laud the first step of a toddler or do we wait 17 years later for an Olympic Gold?

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