Obama, at a press conference, on his premature Nobel:

“That means pursuing a world free of nuclear weapons over time and strengthening our mechanisms to avoid nuclear proliferation,” he said. “That means addressing climate change in an effective way. It means stabilizing counties like Afghanistan and mobilizing an international effort to terrorism that is consistent with our values and ideals. It means addressing issues of development and understanding the connection between economic justice and peace.
“So on a whole host of initiatives that I’ve put forward this year, some of which are beginning to bear fruit, the goal is not to win a popularity contest or to get an award — even one as esteemed as the Nobel Peace Prize — the goal is to advance American interests, make ourselves a continuing force for good in the world. Something that we have been for decades now,” he said.
“And if I’m successful in those tasks then hopefully some of the criticism will subside, but that’s not really my concern,” he concluded. “And if I’m not successful then all the praise and the awards in the world won’t disguise that fact.”