Katie Couric's Notebook: Nobel Prize

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

It's a prestige pantheon that includes the world's most accomplished political and moral leaders: the Nobel Peace Prize.

Mother Teresa won it in 1979 for her tireless work with the poor and the sick. Nelson Mandela won in 1993 for transforming a racially segregated South Africa. And Al Gore won in 2007 for a lifelong commitment to protecting planet Earth.

Today it was announced that the 2009 Peace Prize will go to President Barack Obama.

It was a startling piece of news, considering he had been in office for just 12 days before the nominations were due.

The award clearly signals hope from the international community - that a new day has dawned in America - and that President Obama's global approach has been welcomed.

But just nine months into his first term, it seems more like an investment - a futures trade from the Nobel committee - on the promise of what they might see one day - from the man who now literally has the world on his shoulders.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

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by shylove2 October 12, 2009 8:01 PM EDT: Not to mention some rewarded for lenghening the Vietnam War... despite Johnson's attempt to settle the war rather run for reelection.; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw October 11, 2009 2:02 PM EDT: And Kudos, Katie, upon winning the 2009 Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media ! You certainly deserve it !; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw October 11, 2009 1:39 PM EDT: It is only in the mysterious equations of love that any logic or reason can be found.; Reply to this comment


by casey_abbott October 11, 2009 12:46 PM EDT: My savior complex takes a different form.; Reply to this comment


by casey_abbott October 11, 2009 12:46 PM EDT: My savior complex takes a different form.; Reply to this comment


by kenhamlett October 11, 2009 12:33 PM EDT: At first my thoughts were that this honor was premature but I realize that the effort for peace is already being made. It may seem to be an honor based on accomplishment but looking back it is actually best viewed as a reward for effort.
From a political perspective, if it had been awarded next year there would be cries that this was just to influence an election. Like the quest for peace, the recognition is never absolute nor is it based on a finite deadline. It is a never ending process.; Reply to this comment


by JeffreyRapoport October 10, 2009 6:24 PM EDT: Copious efforts inside each corner cafe a prize for you too.; Reply to this comment


by casey_abbott October 10, 2009 11:16 AM EDT: It's never too late for a comeback.; Reply to this comment


by formerdem-2009 October 10, 2009 6:50 AM EDT: But just nine months into his first term, it seems more like an investment - a futures trade from the Nobel committee - on the promise of what they might see one day - from the man who now literally has the world on his shoulders.

OMG you really believe this crap don't you Katie? a futures investment? A third class ticket on the titanic would have a better chance of a return than this buffoon.; Reply to this comment


by dirtyliberal October 10, 2009 3:26 AM EDT: I intend to rake my neighbor's lawn, i deserve a peace prize as well.

www.dirtyliberal.com; Reply to this comment