One More Time
Just to be sure that Barack Obama is really the President and there are no questions or challenges down the line, he and Chief Justice Roberts had a do-over. This time both parties took it slowly and got it right. Whew! No questions. Obama is president for real!
According to CNN, the second oath just happened a little while ago, at 7:35 tonight.
Below is how the oath should have gone the first time.
I hate to get all paranoid, but I have to admit that the mistake was kind of lurking in the back of my head. I'm glad they did the oath again.
Anali's First Amendment © 2006-2009. All rights reserved.
This Post's Link
According to CNN, the second oath just happened a little while ago, at 7:35 tonight.
"Are you ready to take the oath?" Roberts asked.
"I am, and we're going to do it very slowly," Obama replied.
Below is how the oath should have gone the first time.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
I hate to get all paranoid, but I have to admit that the mistake was kind of lurking in the back of my head. I'm glad they did the oath again.
Anali's First Amendment © 2006-2009. All rights reserved.
This Post's Link
Comments
Dear Chris: How do you look at your father when you get together?
Frankly, I'm fascinated on how many people believe it is the oath that makes a president and not the democratic process.
I've also read that the President is President on noon that day, regardless of the oath.
Do you normally go out of your way to miss the point or is it your hobby to pursue tangents?
The issue is that he was elected every which way to Sunday (popular vote, electoral college, LA Burdick's hot chocolate poll) which is what makes him president, not because he utters an oath correctly or not.
Although, I agree with Lisa that it's probably safe just to do it over to squelch Fox News and their spittle-flinging ilk.
David: At least it wasn't Dan Quayle trying to deliver!
los angelista - I never watched Fox News anyway, but I actually can't watch it now, because the channel strangely stopped working on my TV. Just as well.
chris - So true. Bush didn't take the oath too seriously. Or maybe he just didn't understand it. I will never truly comprehend his presidency.
dmarks - I heard that as well, that at noon, the transfer of power is automatic regardless of the oath.
david - I thought the same thing! I'm sure Roberts didn't vote for Obama.
I think Roberts had a case of the nerves. But if the time comes for him to do this again, in 2013, or 2017, all eyes will really be on him. And it will make him even more nervous.
Obama was one of those who did not vote for Roberts, so perhaps Roberts gave him a little payback?