---“This is one of many historical moments that have occurred to a very deserving person who is making a tremendous difference in the world. I think in light of all the issues we have going on right now, he is doing an excellent job in maintaining balance in each area of concern.” -- Christine Miller-Betts, executive director for the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of History.

--- “I don’t know how to feel about that, to be honest. I voted for him, so I don’t necessarily disagree with him, but that’s pretty big. I’m not sure he’s done enough yet.”-- Maria Nobel, 35, Grovetown

--- “I think it’s great and well deserved. The man wants people to negotiate instead of fight. That’s why he got it, and that’s why he deserves it.”-- Milton Ladner,

67, Aiken, retired

--- “I think it’s great. It (Mr. Obama’s approach) is a departure from the hawkish stance of previous administrations. His will to talk to our adversaries would go a lot farther in creating solutions to worldwide conflicts than the militaristic approach that previous administrations have had. The value of that is evident in this prize.”-- John Brecht, 57, Aiken

Video producer, chairman of the Aiken County Democratic Party

--- “I just don’t feel like he’s been in the position long enough to get that prize. In a little bit more time, he could be that person.” -- Bralyn Vanzee, 21, Aiken student

--- “I think if he had ended the war I’d feel differently, but it seems a bit presumptuous. He hasn’t done anything yet.” -- Heather Jordan, 26, Martinez

---“I didn’t even know he was nominated. I didn’t know Chicago was nominated as a city for the Olympics. I’m not quite sure what he did to earn it now. I guess I was surprised, surprised by the whole thing. I’ll have to go back and look, see what he did to earn it I guess.”--

Coco Rubio, owner of Soul Bar and Sky City

-- “I think it’s an honor. He earned it. He earned it quickly. I pray he continues to live up to it.” - Felicia Wilson, 46, Hephzibah, Augusta-Richmond County Probate Court operation manager

-- “I think it’s wonderful. Really great. It’s not too often that happens, that our president wins the award.” - Nancy Williams, 47, Grovetown, Augusta-Richmond County employee

-- “I don’t feel he’s been in office long enough to justify it when you compare it to Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela. Even the other presidents that got it, Roosevelt and Wilson, they worked many, many years to get it. I don’t think he’s in their league. At some point, he may be.” -- David Lobb, 64, vice chairman of the Aiken County Republican Party; Retired Army Colonel

-- “So far, there has been no action to match his award winning rhetoric. I’m hopeful that his winning the Nobel Prize will now spur him to actually put his words into action and a clear test of that will be the next Department of Energy nuclear weapons budget he submits to Congress in February 2010. If we look at the first DOE nuclear weapons budget proposed by his administration, including for tritium operations at the Savannah River Site, we see little movement towards the nuclear disarmament for which he won the prize.” -- Tom Clements, 58, Southeastern Nuclear Campaign Coordinator, Friends of the Earth, Columbia, SC

-- “Any time a political leader receives an honor, I think it’s good. I guess the thing is, I don’t know what he’s done to get the peace prize. All he’s done is travel the world and make a lot of speeches, but I don’t see where he’s made the peace. Are they giving it on what he’s done, or what they think he’s going to accomplish? It’s sort of like the old Wendy’s commercial. Where’s the peace?” -- Dave Barbee, 62, 10th District chairman for the Georgia Republican Party.

-- “I was surprised, but at the same time happy. I think over the last nine months he’s proven himself as someone who wants to bring people together and not be divisive. He’s done enough to create a change in people’s temperaments and people’s thought processes. If you look at the reports on how people view the U.S., the potential for worldwide acrimony against the U.S. has been lessened. It’s the attitude of people that leads to war.

“I think we should be proud as a nation. Why not? Can’t we just be proud for a moment that our leader was selected as someone who wants to bring about peace?” -- Richmond County Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick, 41

-- “President Obama deserves to be congratulated for receiving this highly prestigious award. He’s taken bold steps in his approach for peace. His approach will be criticized by naysayers, because he did not engage in the typical political game. He listens first rather than just rush into things.” -- Lessie Price, 60, Aiken City Council member

-- “I was thrilled that President of the United States won the Nobel Peace Prize. I listened to some of the reasons some of the people thought he shouldn’t win and then I went back and I looked at the original Internet of the prize and I think it fits. I just very proud that the President won.” -- Brenda Durant, executive director, Greater Augusta Arts Council

-- “It is great not just for President Obama but great for America. It sends a message to other countries that we have a President willing to go the extra mile for the citizens of not only the United States but for the world to come together as a people and as a human race.”-- Deanna Brown Thomas, The Brown Family Children Foundationwww.jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org

-- “Even when others are tearing him down, he takes it with a grain of salt and with a smile. He’s a better listener and he has compassion.” --Jeffrey Thomas, 48, North Augusta, electrician

-- “I think it was great. We have to give credit where credit is due. People have to have some hope. He is taking us to something better and it’s for everybody. In every situation some people win and some people lose. I’m proud of him. He was doing a lot of work before he was president.” --Chris Morgan, 48, North Augusta, hairstylist

-- For eight years the United States acted like a bully in the world — unwilling to try to peacefully resolve conflicts. Mr. Obama is much calmer, more diplomatic and more willing to try to resolve conflicts first with words instead of weapons, said Jacque Hawk, 51, a Martinez resident and Augusta attorney. “I just think that’s a better approach all over the world.”

-- “I have great respect for him as the President of the United States. I think that he was surprised. I was surprised as well. But I think it seems to me that it must reflect the Nobel Committee’s desire to continue to encourage the U.S. reaching out and engaging nations around the world in an effort to reduce tensions.” -- Medical College of Georgia President Daniel W. Rahn