Obama: I'm 'Surprised and Deeply Humbled' by Nobel

President will accept the honor as a 'call to action'

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 9, 2009 10:42 AM CDT

(AP) – A beaming President Obama says he's honored to win the Nobel Peace Prize but isn't sure he's done enough to earn it. Appearing in the Rose Garden today, Obama acknowledged he was "both surprised and deeply humbled" to win the award. He said he does not "view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments," but rather as a recognition of goals he has set for the US and the world. The White House said later he will donate the $1.4 million that comes along with the prize to charity.

"I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honored by this prize," said Obama, adding that he will accept it as a "call to action." He noted that it "was not how I expected to wake up this morning." After he learned the news, daughter Malia entered the room to declare: "Daddy, you won the Nobel Peace Prize—and it is (first dog) Bo's birthday." It's nice, said Obama, "to have kids to keep things in perspective."

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

Members of Iraq's black community celebrate in Basra Friday after President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani)

Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Barack Obama, all awarded the Nobel while in office. (AP Photo/White House)

President Obama talks on the phone in the Oval Office Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Barack Obama speaks about winning the Nobel Peace Prize Friday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Obama speaks about winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 76 comments

cognitivefilter

Oct 13, 2009 5:22 AM CDT

hes just such a likable guy

heidi060977

Oct 11, 2009 5:32 AM CDT

Well, I have to admit, I actualy agree with Obama on this one. He HASN"T done anything to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.

doingtherightthing

Oct 10, 2009 12:14 PM CDT

Only in America can a president when the nobel peace prize in 12 days.......Obama takes office on 1-20-09. The Nobel committee has to have there ballots in by February 1. Think a second here trolls....What did Obama do in 12 days to get this peace prize.......Folks: The fix is on!. He did nothing in 12 days, I say nothing to make peace throughout the world, as this committee claims.....document his 12 days in office nobel peace committee. You can't document, you lied to the world......What a big farce the Nobel prize has become.......So, you defenders of lies say; Obamademigod deserves this prize. Wow, you trolls are more stupid than I thought you were.........Now I'll call you ACORN trolls one step above a caveman.....

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Barack Obama • Nobel Prize • Nobel Peace Prize • Malia Obama • President Obama • Nobel laureates • First Dog • Bo Obama • Obama Nobel Peace Prize

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Obama: I'm 'Surprised and Deeply Humbled' by Nobel