In Defense of the Nobel Committee (Kind of)

Yes, Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize is a joke, particularly considering that the nominaiton would have to have been submitted by February 1. But consider what would be the likely state of affairs under a President McCain. War with Iran - or at least heavy aerial bombardment of same - would be imminent if not already under way. Tensions with Russia over missile installations in Eastern Europe and breakaway provinces in Georgia would be at a fever pitch. And lord knows what degree of escalation would be going on in Iraqistan.

Leaving aside how our handling of these events play to the best interests of the USA (though missiles in the Czech Republic and the sovereignty of Georgia? - come on) - certainly from a peace-nik Norwegian committee, McCain would have been a disaster. So from their standpoint off in the idyllic confines of Norway, Obama's ability to get elected alone was sufficient reason to award him the prize.