McCain Says Obama Peace Prize Was Based on "Expectation"

President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today, and his former presidential rival and Arizona Senator John McCain seems to have some sour grapes. McCain told CNN's John King that he thinks the president was given the honor, not based on any of his accomplishments but because of what prize...

By James King

October 9, 2009

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President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today, and his former presidential rival and Arizona Senator John McCain seems to have some sour grapes.

McCain told CNN's John King that he thinks the president was given the honor, not based on any of his accomplishments but because of what prize judges think he's going to do.

"I can't divine all their intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations," McCain says. "And I'm sure the president understands that he now has even more to live up to."

Obama, actually, seems to agree.

This morning, the President said at a press conference that the prize is not awarded to a person or an act but to "give momentum to a set of causes."

McCain wasn't a total downer, though.

"I think all of us were surprised at the decision," he said. "But I think Americans are always pleased when their president is recognized by something on this order."

McCain's full interview with John King can be seen on Sunday morning at 9 on CNN.

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