In Oslo, President Obama showed that he is more about humility than hubris and, in so doing, demonstrated why the committee gave him the Nobel Peace Prize, even if in Obama’s own characterization it could be viewed as premature:
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the considerable controversy that your generous decision has generated. In part, this is because I am at the beginning, and not the end, of my labors on the world stage. Compared to some of the giants of history who have received this prize — Schweitzer and King, Marshall and Mandela — my accomplishments are slight.
Yet, Obama has demonstrated how a world leader can be strong both militarily and diplomatically, without turning the free world against America as George W. did.
What surprises our politicians on both sides of the aisle is how tough this president is. He’s no wimp when it comes to using military force. In fact, he has been criticized, from the left, for sounding hawkish.
But he came to his “surge” decision in Afghanistan with the professorial scrutiny — contrary to W. — for which he is famous.
Allen Shadow 
Not sure that I have once thought of Obama as tough. I have a hard time knowing if he is a “thinker” or someone who is insecure and unable to make a decision. He is smart for sure, but for some reason I just don’t trust him.
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I’m a little concerned that he’ll go too far in order to prove he’s tough– so many Americans expect that of a president, and I’d hate for him to try to amp up that image for approval ratings.
With any luck, he’ll be satisfied with his image as a thinker. I mean, that’s why I voted for him.
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I like Barack Obama… I watched in wonder during his entire election campaign. But I am not convinced that his strategy for Afghanistan is going to produce an outcome any different from the current situation in Iraq. He is clever – definitely. He weighs every decision he makes – and that’s a nice change from George I-cannot-spell-my-own-name Bush. But is another military offensive in another sandy country really what America needs right now?
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Obama’s not tough. If he were, Wall Street wouldn’t be walking all over him. Nor would the health care industry.
More important, an acceptance speech is hardly evidence of guts.
For the record, I hated W, hated Cheney more, and I voted for Obama, because I thought he would disrupt Washington and Roto-Rooter out the sclerotic crud that crams the Federal government. He’s done nothing of the sort. Worse, I think he’s added to it. He wants the government to do MORE, MORE, MORE. Well, news flash, we’re broke and getting broker because of bad government. More bad government will only make matters worse.
Jeff
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