But David inspiring and actually doing are two totally different things. To win an award such as this because you inspire something is absurd. Out of all of the nominees this year he was the least deserving.

I guess this goes to show everyone that as long as you can talk a good game then you actually have to do nothing to get a head. How do you think the ones who have worked their butts off for others feel when they see this!?

IMO Bill Clinton is WAY more deserving for this award than Obama.

Cindy..Ga.

Are those who say the President does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize because he has not yet accomplished enough the same ones who have worked mightily to block his efforts? The right wing will continue to work and spend millions to make sure that Obama has no chance of accomplishing anything, ever. Very sad!

President Obama would have truly deserved the Nobel Peace Prize if he had simply declined to accept the award until he had actually achieved something of note.

This type of action would have drawn immense attention to our global trophy generation where everyone is rewarded regardless of accomplishment.

so since the nomination period ended after the first 14 days of President Obama's term of office .... the Nobel committee is saying that the amount of "inspiration" he created in just those 14 days is more valuable that the actual accomplishments of the other nominees?

I smell a lot of fishy politics in this one....

This is exactly like the trophies awarded at school to every child for an event just for showing up. Nominations closed on Feb. 1st. Think about is, that was 12 days after Obama took office. So I guess he was awarded the Nobel Prize for campaigning. What a crock. The Nobel Committee has dishonored everyone who actually dsereved this award. It's doubly disgusting that President EGO accepted.

CONGRADULATIONS OBAMA AND PROUD OF YOU AS AN AMERICAN ! Our President won the Nobel Peace Prize ! Keep up the hard work on national security and energy independence ! Innovation for the nation on the move with vision,focus and peaceful solutions.Go Obama !

Its amazing to me whether or not you feel President Obama desrves the Pulitzer prize or not doen't matter. Where was all the uproar when the sicentests won, or the economist won, or the authors won one. You don't hear it. You only hear anything because its Obama. Anything they can do to cut him down they will. Whether or not its good for the country or not, doesn't seem to matter to a few out there. Its sad and very telling.

Does the chair of the peace prize committee customarily pose with a photograph of the recipient?

Jagland's got that "Check me out, I'm on the right side of history" look on his face.

BTW, Gergen is an absolute master of the art of walking the political fine line. When I finish one of his pieces, I always feel unsatisfied, like I've just eaten a bowl of bran.

I'm proud of him. It's an honor, regardless of why he got it. A thought to right wingers who ignorantly bash Obama for this: perhaps he was awarded this because the international community is still stunned by the friendly gestures of this administration compared to the last? Perhaps if the last administration hadn't been a foreign policy nightmare he wouldn't have been awarded it. Oh well, once again you lose

I agree with JC – if he had declined, respectfully, until he felt he had done something of merit to represent Peace, I would have been much more supportive of him.

However, I find that his refusal to meet with the Dalai Lama – another Nobel Peace Prize winner, simply because it would make China upset, questionable.

The Dalai Lama is a man who is devoted to peace, and who simply wants Tibet to have the freedom to rule itself. The President of the United States should not take cues from another nation, simply for economic reasons. China cannot afford to shut down the US Dollar – no matter how much of it they own, because the USA are the people who buy Chinese manufacturing. It would be economically unfeasible for China to break the United States.

It appears nothing can make some in the USA happy enough so they can abandon their bitterness, anger, racism and viciousness! Go America, go!

As much as I believe in Obama's potential, I too smell rotting fish politics. However, my hopes for Obama's future actions are still going strong. He will be nobel prize worthy.

Peace involves bringing people together and trying to get a goal accomplished through diplomatic actions. If you are telling me that Obama hasn't done that...then you are the same person who is against health care reform...who would rather send in 30,000 more lives to a war as a first resort rather than a last one...and probably voted for McCain. Why are people making it seem as if Obama is the sole person responsible for none of what he has proposed not turning into action? He has put plenty on the table for us to digest and think of all around the world. It isnt his fault that personal agendas and politics have come in the way of turning those thoughts into action. In addition, he didn't choose to be given this award. It was given to him. Why is this being used as another tool to promote hate towards Obama? You want to talk about fishy politics, lets start there...

Candidate Obama inspired the world. I communicated with friends of the campaign online during the the time he was running and it seemed the excitement was feverishly high. When I talk to a friend in Morroco, a young Muslim woman, just 19, she says she loves Obama, and the U.S. now. A 23 years old woman from Zimbabwe tells me he is much admired and she personally thinks he is amazing. One woman from Germany signed up on the Obama election sight and made contact with me. She had started a group online in Berlin with many members online who were all impressed and sayed they loved this man and wanted him to win.
So while I was suprised, what suprises me more is how hateful talk radio heads, and the RNC can be, even siding with the Taliban over this American achievment and honor bestowed. I am ashamed of that part of my country. I am sad for that part of my country.

Cindy from Ga. of course.... It's not your call or your prize to give. Did you hear why it was given to him? He does deserve it! Who do you know was nominated? Get over it, he has the hearts of many many many globally and majority in the US except Rush, the republicans and the Taliban......Hee Hee Hee. Congrats Mr. Presiedent..... World Peace!

Do we Democrats "own" the Nobel committee, outright ?

Isn't the Nobel Peace Prize supposed to be awarded for
actually "doing something"...not just good intentions ?

Congratulations, my fellow Democrats, we just "stepped in"
our very own "Mission Accomplished" mess....

I'm a baseball fan and occasionally an umpire makes a questionable call in my team's favor and never do the fans react harshly against their own team for benefitting from that call. But I guess in politics, everything is different. If you are republican, a democratic president is not on your team when it comes to winning a peace prize (not to mention the olympics too, nor anything else). Obama has acknowledged the surprise and that he did not necessarily deserve it but its not like he has not done anything good towards peace in this world. Sure its been mostly talk but everything must start with dialogue and he is only 9 months into his presidency. The mood in this world is better today than a year ago and that is a good start.

Mr Gergen, do you see emotional and political similarities between Gore and Obama having won prizes. A Rebuke for Bush´s policy of non-engagement with foes. Ted

Right on Anderson!!!!!!!!!

OMG, so Carolyn.... if Obama accomplishes nothing (which he is right on track for) then it is the right wing's fault? So funny.... He's off the hook no matter what. If he does nothing, it's not his fault.

Have some more Kool-Aide people. This is SUCH a slap in the face for people such as Mother Teresa and people who actually accomplished great things. Obama is a smooth talking salesman... period

How can anyone say that a blackman becoming president of the U.S. isnt accomplishing anything or deserving of such an award?
Things have not changed one bit in this God forsaken world no one will ever be completely happy in this world, there are too many primitive souls and mindstates we will never reach the true future that I have hope for as a people....

Lamont

People are ridiculous. Our president has won one of the most commended awards in the world and the conservatives of our nation cannot muster up the courage to support him because they are still bitter. GET OVER IT.

WOO HOO!!!!

This is PROOF that the world has forgiven us for George Bush!!!

Now I can go overseas and not have to lie and say I'm Canadian anymore....

WOO HOO!!!! WOOO HHHOO!!!! WWOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

I agree that President Clinton is more deserving, having done more. But I can't begrudge President Obama winning. If he really were a peace president, I would be inspired by him, but he is getting into wars more deeply instead of taking us out of them. I thought he was the peace candidate, he gave that speech to the anti-war group, remember?

Those working tirelessly to derail everything and anything President Obama is trying to do are the ones who should hang their heads in shame.

The last President shamed this country and its heritage with his administrations unadulterated over-reach both domestically and internationally.

This President, just by being who he is, has brought this country's reputation back to respectable. He has reached out to other countries because he knows we cannot change the world on our own. Just as we need friends in our personal and professional lives to be successful, we need friends in the international sphere.

The message is that America is not a colonial power, even if it has the power to destroy. America is not the school yard bully, but the big guy in your corner who helps you fight the bad guys.

This message of hope is what has inspired millions around the globe. This hope is what has earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

Throughout our mankinds history words have brought about change. Obviously the world sees something in this man, his ideas, and his message that many Americans have yet to appreciate. Words alone can drive change and bring about change. Of course, one first must listen!

Shirley
Broken Arrow Oklahoma

How ungrateful we, the people of America, have become. Our President hits a homerun for our country, and the best we can do is sit in our jury box, and past sentence?

How sad it is, when other countries have to be the one's to bestow honor upon the President of the United States, because his own country can't find anything good to say about their own President.
It is sad that other countries see him as being a good leader, when his own country see him as one deserving little or no respect.

I would also like to say, on behalf of the President: some says that he has not accomplished anything, and is in need of a winner: Well I say he has accomplished much, for which he is being given very little credit, or no credit at all.
Now based upon the history of this country ( when it come to the rise of the people of color), when he became the President of the United States, he was deserving of a nobel prize: When he got the Recovery Package passed, and what could have been a depression, became a temporary recession, he became a winner.
The progress he has made, regarding the ongoing healthcare reform ( more progress than any other President has done in almost 60 years), makes him a winner. The progress he has made, in beginning to change America's image, around the world, makes him a winner.
And last, but not least, the fact that he is, and has, and will succeed, in spite of the fact, that a strong pact seem to have been formed, in an attempt to derail his presidency, makes him a winner.
But while we are sitting in judgment, concerning the worthiness of our President; I have a thought for "We The People". [ John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,...,] What had we done to deserve such sacrifice? How many of us were worthy of the death of the Son of God?
Let us be careful in our speech, lest we bring ourselves under condemnation.

I can't congratulate the President for this award because I truly don't think he earned it. He hasn't done anything to prove other wise. I thought to win this award you had to have accomplished something...... well I'm waiting.....

Hope, peace, and change are powerful concepts. President Obama has added a strong voice to what the people of the world really want in their lives. It is ironic that the people who say he hasn't done anything are the same ones fighting him on everything he tries to do. His performance in the campaign and during his Presidency is the justification for this award. Just imagine what this incredibly gifted President can accomplish if the American people set aside their petty politics and demagogery and work with him to change the world for the better. Surely, that is what even the Republicans want, isn't it?

It never ends I see...President Obama will never be left alone even in times where he is being recognized for something positive. It is very saddening that Americans will not support their president. He won the award. Get over it!

Actually it is my opinion that the ones who believe he is least deserving of the 205 nominees are the same ones who still believe he is not American, is a Muslim, condems him as "socialist" and still wishes he was not elected President. Isn't it remarkable that the world still looks to the USA for leadership! Congrats Mr. President

David: As a registered Republican who voted for Barack Obama, I have alsways enjoyed your reasoned comments during your tenure at CNN.

Your comments on this award are right on in my opinion. I like the message that the award sends. At the same time, the timing is interesting and the award appears to be based primarily on the first of the award's three criteria.

This is my first ever response or comment to an internet-posted commentary (some of us boomers slower than others to embrace "new" ways of communicating). The response/comment isn't intended to be newsworthy or posted on CNN – I simply felt it appropriate to let you know what this viewer thinks of your approach to discussing topical issues and people's performance.

Onward.

Regards, Jon

I think that Pres. Obama accepted the award well, but I don't believe he has put in the proper time to actual "PEACE" to be recognized. Now is this his fault, absolutely not. We should look to see what he does with the award (financial) before we judge if the right decision was made. Even if he does give it to a worthy charity it still raises the problem of progress that has been made in "WORLD PEACE". We will see, and by the way I don't care for our new President but I do want my kids to grow up respecting our democracy.

I am dismayed by those naysayers who criticize President Obama's being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Seems to me that some people will say anything to get their faces on t.v. or to spread their negative energy. I challenge anyone who says that the President does not "deserve" the Prize to name ONE other person who was nominated this year (WITHOUT looking it up online!). Congratulations Mr. President!

To Clark:

The amount of inspiration he created was not just during his first 14 days as President, but also in the long campaign season and his Senatorial post before that. I'm sure the Nobel committee took that into account as well. Remember, the eyes of the world were on Obama since he gave that wonderful speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

President Obama ideas and presence have inspired millions. He has opened a new, more positive dialogue throughout the world.
Take a quiet moment and read his speech in Cairo, and his speech on race in America. The depth of his reflection is appreciated by thoughtful people. It is unfortunate some are more interested in seeing these ideas stamped out. Congratulations President Obama.

This is the whole world, breathing a HUGE sigh of relief that W is no longer president, no longer a threat to world peace, and no longer the cow poke idiot who was the face of America for far, far, far too long. This indicates a new hopefulness for the WHOLE WORLD.

Actually David G. the checklist of non-accomplishments recited on SNL was accurate. I guess the main criteria today for a Nobel Peace Prize is to be a motivational speaker. Who's next, the Sham-Wow guy?

I congratulate the President he has accomplished so much, even though he has and is facing lots of obstacles in the road, left there by the previous administration. Who are we to look down on him or criticize those who actually know the meaning of an Inspirational Human .

After the election I was told by a good Australian friend that "Americans weren't deserving of a leader like Obama." I disagreed, but now, today, I agree. The president of the United States who represents us all on the international stage, was just awarded the gold medal of diplomacy and instead of saying congratulations, we are whining that he is not deserving. This award is not just for Obama but for all the Americans who believed in his message of hope that worked tirelessly to get him elected. Our world is a mess and there is no magic wand that a leader can wave to fix all our problems, but Obama's skills as an international communicator have established more cooperation and unity worldwide than has been seen in years. Good job Obama!! As far as diplomacy goes you are shining star...and for the sake of the world and the future of our children I hope you succeed to bring peace in not just the Middle East but all around the world.

The world’s recognition of American President Barack Obama with the Nobel Peace Prize provides a moment of clarity. Since his candidacy began, Barack Obama has inspired the world’s people with his message of inclusiveness, cooperation and mutual respect. Although he struggles daily with sharp-tongued critics in his own country, the world clearly sees America with a new enthusiasm and respect thanks to our President.

Fault finders are already having a heyday picking apart this illustrious honor. So be it. A positive world vision works to everyone’s benefit – supporter and critic alike.

Despite the critics, our President has found new momentum and positive recognition from like-minded people in this country and around the world. We are proud of his tireless work on our behalf, and we wish him continued success.

It's a sad day in American history when Americans show disappointment when our president is awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize. In less than a year in power, he has opened dialogue with Iran, spoken to the Muslim world directly, battled against torture, and changed America's image around the world. These measures have given hope for peace to all world citizens. To those who fail to acknowledge this as an accomplishment worthy of this award, I ask what message you are giving your children about the importance of hope for a peaceful tomorrow. We should be ashamed that the President has far more recognition abroad than at home.

Read his calendar for the first month in office (when the decision was made) & find ANYTHING he did worthy of this honor. This is a slap in the face to those around the world who truly have made honest strides in the area of Peace, and also to past winners who gave their heart and soul to DESERVE the recognition. Awards are not given for encouragement, they are given for REAL accomplishments. The Nobel Prize has forever lost it's prestige. When this president demonstrates something honorable THEN he can be celebrated as a true PeaceKeeper.

I congratulate President Obama for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

However, I would be even more thrilled IF he had won it after ending the wars, in Afghanistan and Iraq! The ending of the Bush wars will be a God-sent blessing to the U.S.! We can not afford these senseless wars.
Nor will we eradicate terrorism by making war, bombing and killing. We can begin..... to create world peace by going to the Diplomatic table; by winning the hearts and minds of the Muslim people, rather than bombing their countries. By making sure, that Palestinians have a homeland and that Israel respects those borders.

PLEASE PRESIDENT OBAMA END THE WARS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ! BRING OUR TROOPS HOME! PEACE IS THE ANSWER.

President Obama deserves the Nobel Peace prize. What other President has had the guts or bravery to stand up against the right wing regime. I heard some media commentators responding to this in a negative demeanor saying, " He is late on everything he promised and Gitmo is still not closed." Well, if you incompetent people would stop harrassing him, blocking him, and tieing his hands with foreign affairs he could accomplish a hell of a lot right here in America where it is needed!
Long live Obama!

Mr, Gergen I could not agree with you more.
I for one think that the media spends way too
much time on President Obama's critics. Obama
is the only leader on the world stage that talks
about transforming the world.

President Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today show's just how out of touch American's are with the rest of the world. It's kind of sad that his own country is not proud of him. The world is very proud. Congratulations President Obama, Congratulations. From a proud Canadian. This Canadian is proud of you!!!!

How incredible that the peace prize would be awarded to Barack Obama who continues George Bush's war in Iraq while contemplating a major escalation of the Afghan war! Perhaps the real purpose of the award is to "shame" him into discontinuing these adventures...

i wish Americans travel more often and see the impact President Obama had on the world stage. you should be proud to have such a man as your president. try to look from the outside in rather than from the right to left. this is a most positive compliment to all Americans. the world is tipping their hat for choosing a 'new' president

This almost discredits the award that so many influential and inspiring people that have truly earned the Nobel Peace Prize through selfless efforts in world peace, Such as Mother Teresa, have been presented with. Although, I did not vote for President Obama, I do however, support him as the leader of my nation. Just wish there was some actual solid action to back up this award. Should we now start passing out Olympic metals before the games even start?

The Nobel "Peace Prize" was forever diminished when it was awarded to the master terrorist Yasser Arafat in 1994. Since then it has become more of a political pinata than an award given to those whose efforts have truly made the world a better place to live in. Shame on the the Nobel committee for overlooking MUCH more deserving candidates just in order to make another political statement.

Wow. Where have all the adults gone? While many of the comments here are very thoughtful, I find it difficult to see (& feel) all the negativity around what should be a very proud moment for America. Obama has opened the door for America to once again be respected in the world. It's not about the US or Republicans or Democrats, it's about PEACE. America can't continue to be the "bully on the playground" and expect to get things done. Respect is earned, not given. He has earned it. I feel much safer and welcomed traveling internationally today due to our President's leadership in his short time in office.

Congratulations Mr. President.