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The choice has always been, as a former chair of the Nobel Peace Prize judging committee explained in 2001, " a political act." This year it was also an ingenious leap of faith-- the endorsement of the hope and the promise represented by America's new President. Of course, it was also a pointed rebuke to the unilateral recklessness of the Bush administration, with its aversion to international organizations and diplomacy. (As were the awards given to former President Jimmy Carter and Vice-President Al Gore.)

Perhaps the Committee, in welcoming Obama's re-embrace of the global community, should have also honored the millions of Americans who voted for Obama --and who, in so doing, helped redeem America's image.