US reaction to Obama’s win of Nobel Peace Prize ranges from praise to criticism

US reaction to Obama’s win of Nobel Peace Prize

Some U.S. reaction to President Barack Obama’s win of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday:

“Let me be clear: I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations. To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize.” — Obama.

“And (the) Nobel Committee, I can’t divine all their intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations. And I’m sure the president understands that he now has even more to live up to.” — Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

“It is a bold statement of international support for his vision and commitment to peace and harmony in international relations. It shows the hope his administration represents not only to our nation but to people around the world.” — Former President Jimmy Carter.

“I think it’s extremely well deserved. … I think it will take some time before people put together all the different moves that linked his speech at the U.N. on the abolishing of nuclear weapons, his shift on the missile defense program in Eastern Europe and the movement of Russia to joining the international consensus that confronted Iran to abide by the nonproliferation treaty.” — Former Vice President Al Gore.

“The real question Americans are asking is, ‘What has President Obama actually accomplished?’ It is unfortunate that the president’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights.” — Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele.

“He has changed the tone of U.S. foreign policy by making it clear to the world that we are in a race between cooperation and catastrophe, and he has reshaped the global focus and debate.” — Former Sen. Sam Nunn, co-chairman of the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

“It validates the president’s approach to tough transnational challenges such as global warming and the spread of nuclear arms. And it celebrates his steady efforts to improve America’s standing around the world.” — Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif.

“I’m not sure what the international community loved best; his waffling on Afghanistan, pulling defense missiles out of Eastern Europe, turning his back on freedom fighters in Honduras, coddling Castro, siding with Palestinians against Israel, or almost getting tough on Iran. The world may love it, but following in the footsteps of Jimmy Carter is not where America needs to go.” — Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C.

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“The Nobel Committee’s decision to award this year’s Peace Prize to President Obama is an affirmation of the fact that the United States has returned to its long-standing role as a world leader.” — Gov. Tim Kaine, D-Va., Democratic National Committee chairman.

“Under any circumstance an appropriate response is to say congratulations.” — Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn.

“Giving this award to the leader of the most militarized country in the world, which has taken the human family against its will to war, will be rightly seen by many people around the world as a reward for his country’s aggression and domination.” — Mairead Corrigan Maguire, a 1976 Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

“I feel good for him. I’m happy for him but I think he put it in the right context. This was not an award for him. It was an award for America and its values, and it really is a tribute to our country and what we stand for.” — Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

“The president has consistently shown that he is committed to reaching out to other nations and positioning America to once again be the global leader for peace and prosperity. This is a great honor for our country and reminds us all of the promise our nation holds.” — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif.

“No one can force other nations to follow, but President Obama is reintroducing America to the rest of the world, and people of goodwill everywhere do have hope about working together for progress on some of the world’s most daunting and dangerous problems.” — Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

“I try very hard not to look back, but clearly there has been a change in leadership and a change in attitude. President Obama is not going to lose grip for a moment.” — Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.