A Valparaiso University political science professor said today's announcement of President Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize could give a boost to his foreign and domestic policies.

"This is essentially a European vote of confidence in the tone of his presidency, and what he's projecting to the world," said Dr. Jennifer Hora, assistant professor of political science at Valparaiso University.

"This should give him positive media coverage both domestically and internationally, and something he can point to when domestic sources give him grief for his choices," said Hora. "He's been criticized by many domestic sources for his willingness to engage in conversations with Iran and North Korea, and when that happens in the future, he can point to this prize, because this is a world endorsement of those actions."

Hora said this morning's announcement of the award was a surprise to the general public and academic and political leaders as well because there was no talk of him being in contention for the prize.

Hora teaches courses in American politics, public policy, public administration and state and local government. She has conducted research analyzing the persuasive communications found in the tape-recorded conversations of Presidents Nixon and Johnson, as well as relations between the executive and legislative branches of government.