After Initial Flurry, GOP Mutes Criticism of Nobel

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 10, 2009 12:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Michael Steele and Rush Limbaugh quickly heaped scorn on President Obama's Nobel win yesterday morning, but criticism from the rest of the GOP has been notably lacking since. Nothing from Palin, Newt, Romney, et al., perhaps taking Mike Huckabee's advice to heart about "right-wing whining" on the subject. Tim Pawlenty even offered congratulations, and John McCain said Americans should be "proud." Politico sees it as a "rare occasion" in which the party's leaders agreed the best response was "none at all."

"Being awarded the Nobel Prize with such a thin resume is embarrassing for the president and creates enough problems for the White House that Republicans don't need to pile on and end up sounding angry in the process," says a senior GOP aide. "There should be one comment only, and that is, 'Congrats.'

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Republic National Committee chairman Michael Steele appears on CBS's "Face the Nation" last month. (AP Photo/CBS Face the Nation, Karin Cooper)

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

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I think the appropriate response when anybody wins a Nobel Prize ... is to say congratulations. - Tim Pawlenty

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 31 comments

tran_tor

Oct 12, 2009 1:03 AM CDT

@schmidkoff I didn't say one way or another if Obama deserved the nobel. Perhaps you should reread my post. The majority of the posts here are blasting the GOP for both criticizing and congratulating Obama's receiving the prize. For claiming to love Obama and his message so much (which the nobel should symbolize) it seems few supporters here care to follow him.

cochiserocks

Oct 11, 2009 12:58 PM CDT

Jamerican - maybe the fact that he got it is a statement about how desperate for change the world is right now. We know where more of the same will land us - so perhaps even the 'system' is starting to reward new thinking, innovation or even the intention to change things. Don't think anyone was bribed or pushed though - it's the Nobel prize, not a senate seat!

AnnieOkie58

Oct 11, 2009 12:55 PM CDT

jUNamerican...who is everybody? You and Limpbaugh...oh, and I must not forget Beck'd-up in the head !

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