Like many New Yorkers and Americans, President Barack Obama told reporters he also felt "surprised" to learn that the Norwegian Nobel Committee had awarded him the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

However, the president also said he was "deeply humbled" when he learned Friday morning that he had received the prestigious award.

"I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many
transformative figures that have been honored by this prize. Men and women who inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace," said Obama. "But I also know that this prize reflects the kind of world that those men and women, and all Americans, want to build."

Obama said the prize was not "a recognition of my own accomplishments," but said it was a recognition of his leadership and the goals he has set for the United States.

"I am the commander-in-chief of a country that's responsible for ending a war and working in another theater to confront a ruthless adversary that directly threatens the American people and our allies," said the president. "I'm also aware that we are dealing with the impact of a global economic crisis that has left millions of Americans looking for work. These are concerns that I confront every day on behalf of the American people."

He also said he feels the award must be "shared by everyone who strives for justice and dignity," including street protesters and soldiers.

Obama said the $1.4 million that comes with the award will be given to charity. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the president has yet to decide which charity will get the money, but it will likely be more than one.

The committee cited what it calls Obama's "extraordinary" efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.

It also recognized his work to eliminate nuclear weapons.

There had been speculation that Obama was in the running for the prize, but many observers, including some world leaders, felt it might be too early in his presidency to honor him.

"He got the prize because he has been able to change the
international climate," said Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjoern
Jagland. "Some people say, and I understand it, isn't it premature? Too early? Well, I'd say then that it could be too late to respond three years from now. It is now that we have the opportunity to respond - all of us."

New Yorkers are divided over Obama winning the peace prize.

"I think it's pretty ironic that while he's planning to expand the war in Afghanistan, that he's got a peace prize," said one New Yorker. "It's sort of meaningless, isn't it?"

"I think it's wonderful. He deserved it," said another. "He's got a little more things to do, but he's a good guy."

"I think he's going to make things better," said a third. "Maybe the award is partly for things to come."

Vice President Al Gore, the last American to win the award, applauded the selection.

"It's an honor for him first and foremost of course, but it's an honor for our country. I think it's extremely well deserved," said Gore.

Obama is now the third sitting U.S. president to win the peace award, following President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.

The last president to win the prize was Jimmy Carter in 2002.