It was a surprising announcement today from Oslo, Norway that even made the room full of reporters gasp: US President Barack Obama has been rewarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for what the Norweigan Nobel Committee said is “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”
The exciting news is sure to create a buzz in Washington, especially since no one predicted him to be a front-runner in the race. However, this isn’t the first time a sitting president has won the award. Both Roosevelt and Wilson won the honor in the early 20th century.
The reward includes a $1.4 million prize, but a more important benefit is the positive impact this could potentially make for American and global politics. I’m certain this will be a weekend of wonderful celebration in the White House!
“Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future,” the committee said. “His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population.” (cnn)
References: nobelprize.org, cnn