Obama first sitting U.S. President to receive Presidential Medal of Distinction

[ProfessionalLeftist]

(CNN) – When President Barack Obama visits Israel next month, he'll be awarded the Presidential Medal of Distinction, Israeli President Shimon Peres' office announced Monday.

Obama, the first sitting U.S. president to receive the recognition, will be awarded the medal for making "a unique and significant contribution to strengthening the State of Israel and the security of its citizens," according to a release announcing the news.

He'll receive the award at a dinner at Peres' residence in Jerusalem, slated to be attended by senior figures from Israeli public life and the Obama administration. The award is given to "private" individuals and organizations that have made "outstanding contributions to bettering the world."

MORE...

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/18/on-israel-trip-obama-to-get-medal/

[bluestateguy]

1. We always hear about Netanyahu's dislike for him

Less reported, however, is the great affection that Peres and Ehud Barak have for our president.

[frazzled]

4. The award isn't from Netanyahu, it's from Shimon Peres

It's a "Presidential" award, and Peres is the current President of Israel. Netanyahu is Prime Minister. Peres is considerably more moderate ("More recently he has been seen as a dove, and a strong supporter of peace through economic cooperation.&quot

[bluestateguy]

6. Yes I'm aware of that

nt

[demwing]

7. and your name is bluestateguy

Welcome to DU!

[frazzled]

9. Apologies

I read your header but skimmed over the content of your post too quickly. Mea culpa, but perhaps it was useful for others.

[Bok_Tukalo]

2. Did the award even exist before Obama became president?

Hard to get information on this award.

[woo me with science]

12. Previous winner: Henry Kissinger.

[onehandle]

3. This doesn't bode well for GOPers trying to paint the President as an enemy of Israel. nt

[ProfessionalLeftist]

5. That's what I was thinking.

Ha!

[MynameisBlarney]

10. Like they're gonna let

something like this stop them from doubling down on their stupidity.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

14. true, but at least we can leave them with these parting words:

"Oh, like how Perez awarded him the Medal of Distinction as a friend to Israel?"





hi Blarney

[Happyhippychick]

8. Freeper heads explode in three....two...one...

[EC]

11. So will this put an end to the rights chant

"Obama doesn't support Israel?

[ProfessionalLeftist]

13. Since when have reality and facts ever stopped them before? n/t

[Smll_Ax3]

15. this is just to counter the ineptitude of bibi

for sticking his nose in our business..

[Demeter]

16. If Obama had any integrity, he would decline the honor

but then, he would return the Nobel Peace Prize, as well, if he did have integrity.

[Scurrilous]

17. K & R