On Oct. 9 Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. What popularity contest is Obama going to win next? Dancing with the Stars, American Idol? Come on, this is getting ridiculous.

Nominations for the prize had to be postmarked by Feb. 1, only 12 days after Obama was inaugurated. My question for the Nobel Committee: what has Obama done in his first 12 days in office that would make him eligible for an award that is intended to be prestigious?

The committee’s basis for awarding the Nobel Prize was “Obama’s efforts at dialogue to solve complex global problems” and “working toward a world free of nuclear weapons,” according to CNN. This is laughable. Yes, it would be ideal if there was no war, no conflict and there was only peace. But, let’s be realistic. The well-being of our great country at the end of the day comes down to who has the “bigger guns”- what country has power and the ability to defend themselves against foreign enemies. I guess having impractical ideas and sitting in an oval office for 12 days is enough criteria to win this high-status honor. Maybe Paris Hilton or Brittany Spears will take home the award next year.

Overall though, I think the real reason Barack Obama was presented the award is because he is not President Bush. He doesn’t live in reality. Obama goes on trips to fight for the Olympics to be held in Chicago and takes his children and wife on shopping trips to Paris. Maybe he should thank President Bush for all the advantageous media and split the 1.4 M with him.