Obama’s Nobel

The hatred of Obama on the right is remarkable.  I knew, the minute I heard he won the Nobel, that the American Right would be vicious and they didn’t disappoint.  These people, the same people who declared any criticism of George Bush to be unpatriotic, have now discovered the benefits of freedom of speech when they are the ones throwing the stones.

Still, I do try to separate out principle from politics.  As an strong Obama supporter, I take these attacks personally.  But I also try to go through the mental exercise of reversing roles.  What would  I think if the circumstances were the same, but it was George Bush in the middle of it instead of Obama.

I know, I know, imagining George Bush winning the Nobel Peace Prize stretches even the most generous “suspension of disbelief.”  But I have a good imagination.  I have to be honest, I would privately ridicule the Nobel Committee.  But, if I were advising a politician, I do not believe I would recommend this ridicule not be done in public.  It would seem petty and small.  I would recommend a gracious response that notes the honor it bestows on our country.

I guess that’s why the smarter politicians reacted appropriately.  McCain’s statement was especially kind and political, in the best sense.  And Governor Tim Pawlenty did OK when mused in publicly about the political strategy by saying, “the only appropriate response is congratulations.”  But then, I guess he thought better of it and qualified his reaction by suggesting it was given for process rather than results.  Still, that’s a mild and, frankly, not inappropriate response.

Leave it to Republican Party Chair Michael Steele, however, to be his usual ridiculous self. I have to believe right-thinking Republicans are embarrassed by his vicious, partisan response.

In the end, I think by leaving the response to the electronic whackos, like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck, most “official” Republicans have allowed their party to continue to marginalize itself.

For me, I wish the Nobel Committee had waited a year, but I do think that Obama has already had a transforming effect on the world that earns him the award, even if a big part of his effect is “not being George W. Bush.”  And I believe the best is yet to come.

Congratulations Mr. President.