Reagan Would've Applauded Nobel Decision

Republican pundits reacted predictably to news of President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize. Noting that the committee gave the award on the basis of Obama’s efforts rather than accomplishments, John Bolton noted, “President Reagan called for a world without nuclear weapons; where was his Nobel peace prize?” But Reagan would have applauded the decision, writes Jonathan Curiel.

Both telegenic politicians won the presidency on platforms based on optimism. Reagan would’ve understood that the Nobel increases Obama’s political cachet, giving him the power to achieve many of their shared goals, like nuclear disarmament. “The comments are sour grapes,” writes Curiel for True/Slant. "Their cynicism is a sign of the times, as much as the stunning news that Obama has won the Nobel."