US Reacts to Obama Peace Prize Win

US Reacts to Obama Peace Prize Win
By VOA News 09 October 2009

In the United States, reaction so far to President Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize win has divided along party lines.

Former Democratic U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a past Nobel winner, praised the choice of Mr. Obama. He called it a "bold statement" of international support for the president's commitment to peace in international relations.

Nobel peace laureate and former democratic vice president Al Gore is calling Mr. Obama's win "extremely well deserved and an honor for the country.

But the chairman of the U.S. Republican Party said the president is undeserving of such recognition.

Michael Steele (file photo)

Michael Steele issued a statement Friday saying it is "unfortunate" that Mr. Obama's "star power" outshined advocates who he said have made real achievements toward peace and human rights. He said Americans are asking what the president has actually accomplished.

Republicans have been critical of the steps Mr. Obama and his Democratic allies in Congress have taken to revive the economy and to bring about health care reform.