Thorbjorn Jagland, said that members this year took a more practical approach in their unanimous vote for President Obama. “It’s important for the committee to

Thorbjorn Jagland, said that members this year took a more practical approach in their unanimous vote for President Obama. “It’s important for the committee to recognize people who are struggling and idealistic,” Mr. Jagland said in an interview after the prize was announced, “but we cannot do that every year. We must from time to time go into the realm of realpolitik. It is always a mix of idealism and realpolitik that can change the world.” But Mr. Jagland seemed to savor the risk. He said no one could deny that “the international climate” had suddenly improved, and that Mr. Obama was the main reason. Of the president’s future, he said: “There is great potential. But it depends on how the other political leaders respond. If they respond negatively, one might have to say he failed. But at least we want to embrace the message that he stands for.” https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/world/10oslo.html https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/world/10oslo.html