Obama's oath: 'Faithfully' misspoken

Not surprising.

Has Roberts EVER correctly read the constitution?....uh.....I forgot.....Repuglicans only believe in certain parts of the constitution......nevermind.

I would think he needs to take the oath again (in private) to properly uphold the written text of the Constitution.

The first sign of change: Someone actually accepts responsibility.
Thank you, Justice Roberts. You're a good man.

Lawfully...he already was president, oath or not at 12 pm.

Wow, what a surprise. A Bush appointed Supreme doesn't know parts of the Constitution...anyone really shocked?

Actually the oath need not be repeated. The Chief Justice should have properly addressed him as President since the office and powers were transferred to him at Noon EST.

Mark my words, you're now going to have all the wing nuts come out of the woodwork (Hannity's listeners) claiming that Obama isn't legitimtately President because he did not "take the oath of office" . . . .

I've always felt the way the oath is administered is stupid. Why should the President need to be fed the words 5 or 6 at a time? I memorized the text in eighth grade. It's amusing (and a little sad) that the Chief Justice doesn't know it. I'm sure our Constitutional Law professor President could have recited the entire oath beautifully and correctly from memory. Maybe next time.

I'm glad Obama changed it. "Will faithfully execute" is a common grammatical error--split infinitive. Even the Constitution isn't perfect.

To the earlier commentors,

I voted for Obama and I generally don't agree with the policies of republicans. However, it seems odd to me that on this historic day, when a small, ultimately inconsequential error was made in the inauguration, it's the democrats who take unwarranted cheap shots at republicans. Ironic since we were all playing the "holier than thou" card when Bush was in office.

Just one more thing for Obama to fix;
The US Supreme Court.

actually the 20th amendment says nothing about the president assumong office at noon it says that the presidents term is OVER at noon it says nothing about obama starting at noon. thiis clearly a right wing conspiracy to undermine obama at the staart

Hillary proclaims the incident "another right wing conspiracy".

actually the 20th amendment says nothing about the president assumong office at noon it says that the presidents term is OVER at noon it says nothing about obama starting at noon. thiis clearly a right wing conspiracy to undermine obama at the staart

Face it - BO choked! He couldn't see the teleprompter.

I believe they are already sworn in privately - no bible - before the cosmetic swearing in ceremony begins. It's purely for the crowds.

I voted for Obama and I generally don't agree with the policies of republicans.
Posted by: Enough | January 20, 2009 3:24 PM

I love this trick that never works, where hard core Repubs try to pass themselves off as "outside looking in, Independents"

I understand that's it's rough being a member of the 4th party gadly Repubs now days but you earned so you might as well embrace it.

Amendment XX

Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; AND THE TERMS OF THEIR SUCCESSORS SHALL THEN BEGIN.

My, the Loons are rabid today. And, you'd think you folks would be happy for once? But then being a Loon from the Left and happy do not go hand in hand.
While Roberts misspoke, Obama also erred when he spoke over Roberts at the beginning of the oath.
But, really, to make such a big issue over a little fumble. You folks, and Mark Silva, clearly need to get a life!

Article II states that "Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath..."

So yes he is the President, but can he technically perform the duties of the office?

I say yes, the word faithfully just got moved around and didn't change the context of the oath. Nothing added, nothing omitted.

To Big Orange Satan: Oh we believe in all of the constitution. What we don't believe is that you liberals should keep stretching it and making up rights that aren't there...like murder of children.

To correct DMDV, the term "grammatical error" is itself an incorrect term. Either something is grammatical or it is not. To be grammatical is to have used grammar correctly; hence, a word or phrase cannot be both correct and in error. Even posters are not perfect.

Would an atheist president have to take this oath? Why the Bible? Was it Obama's choice to use a Bible? Could you substitute it for say, a pound of frozen hamburger if you so desired?

And when will the right wing loons appear to suggest that since the oath was NOT spoken EXACTLY as written in the Constitution, the inauguration is invalid and hence Obama is NOT the real president!

On another subject, does anyone feel that the Democrats in power now will change the 401K system to a governmental socialized one?

We do not want our 401ks that are doing well taken over by them.

Does anyone have a legitmate answer or thought, please on this issue

@DMDB - you are wrong, it is not a split infinitive.

An infinitive is "to execute" (NOT "will execute")

A split infinitive is "to faithfully execute"

"Would an atheist president have to take this oath? Why the Bible? Was it Obama's choice to use a Bible? Could you substitute it for say, a pound of frozen hamburger if you so desired?"

There is no requirement to use a Bible. As uttered in an episode of The West Wing, "You could be sworn in on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue if you wanted." As for an atheist president: well, we'll likely never have one.

Rather than taking the opportunity to call people stupid or to poke fun at the Republicans, did anyone stop to think that maybe they were just nervous? Also, in case you all have forgotten, the Chief Justice has to be approved by the legislative body - many of them were Democrats. So, before you start blaming the Republicans for the Chief Justice taking his seat on the bench, you might want to pause and reassess the blame on that one a little.

Rather than taking the opportunity to call people stupid or to poke fun at the Republicans, did anyone stop to think that maybe they were just nervous? Also, in case you all have forgotten, the Chief Justice has to be approved by the legislative body - many of them were Democrats. So, before you start blaming the Republicans for the Chief Justice taking his seat on the bench, you might want to pause and reassess the blame on that one a little.

Rather than taking the opportunity to call people stupid or to poke fun at the Republicans, did anyone stop to think that maybe they were just nervous? Also, in case you all have forgotten, the Chief Justice has to be approved by the legislative body - many of them were Democrats. So, before you start blaming the Republicans for the Chief Justice taking his seat on the bench, you might want to pause and reassess the blame on that one a little.

A bad omen?

George Bush's term ended at 12 noon. Joe Biden was sworn in before 12 noon. Barack Obama wasn't sworn in until 12:06. Legally, this means that Joe Biden was President for 6 minutes. Even I, an 8th grader know this. xP

Thank goodness! I was wondering who was behind all of the conspiracy theories. We should have know that it was the republicans. Those sneaky little buggers. Next thing you know it's come out that the republicans stacked the deck against Obama just so that he wouldn't be able to keep each and every one of his campaign promises. It's all the republicans fault. We should in no way take any responsibility for the state of the union.

Who really cares?

Who really cares?

To Big Orange Satan: Oh we believe in all of the constitution. What we don't believe is that you liberals should keep stretching it and making up rights that aren't there...like murder of children.

Posted by: Susan | January 20, 2009 4:18 PM

The whitey tape, the "fake" birth certificate, and on and on...

The level of delusion is amazing on the far rightwing lunatic fringe. I thought they couldn't get any stupider than the birth certificate nonsense. Once again, they've proved me wrong.

The wingnuts can claim BS all they want, no one listens to them anyway. Bush had to sit there and listen to Obama call him out on the damage the country has suffered at Bush's hands. Conservative rule is over, and if we keep pushing forward and not get complacent the Wingnutters will be out of power for a very long time. They can join in the progress or step aside. No amount of whining is going to bring them back into power.

Roberts stumbled. Big deal.

I wonder why people swear an oath to God when the Bible specifically states to not do it?

Mathew 5
"34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply 'Yes,' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."

Did he dribble a bit of wine on his shirt at the toast?

Ok... Even if Obama did mess up nobody would dare say anything. I mean have you watched this guy speak without a teleprompter. "Um um... Well what I believe we should do is.. Uh um um..."

Whatever!! In another four to eight years the dems will again screw it up as they've always done in the past. then the repubs will be voted in only to screw it up for us all over again. politicians are the problem! and nothing ever gets done. kiss your hard earned money good-bye.

Linda, Roberts was appointed by Bush and confirmed by the Senate which then had a Republican majority. Obama voted against confirmation. On the other hand, Roberts is a smart man, and simply missed one word in the oath. This is not a big deal.

Here is a radical idea: let it go!!

Republicans stop accusing Obama of screwing up and democrats stop accusing Roberts of purposely tricking Obama. Can't we all just get along!

Posted by: Veronica | January 20, 2009 4:57 PM

Obama became PRESIDENT at noon, regardless of whether he was sworn in.

"Bush had to sit there and listen to Obama call him out on the damage the country has suffered at Bush's hands. Conservative rule is over, and if we keep pushing forward and not get complacent the Wingnutters will be out of power for a very long time. They can join in the progress or step aside. No amount of whining is going to bring them back into power."
Posted by: Teresa | January 20, 2009 5:08 PM

Teresa, George Bush was a Republican, but if you think he was a conservative, you are an idiot. Bush was very liberal, and government expanded under during his presidency. That is why he was very unpopular with conservative Republicans. Obama is even more liberal, so expect Bush-style policy in overdrive in the next four years. The problem is, no one wants to hear the truth or face reality, they would rather hang it all on "hope" than vote for someone with real ideas (and no, I'm not talking about John McCain).

So mean-spirited pettiness reigns in
blogosphere-land. Grow up.
EVERYONE makes mistakes, even
you who are quick to jump on every & any one else.

New President Obama also goofed up, just like Roberts. But don't expect the Swamp to point that out.

From O'Bumble's speech: "Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. " (text per msn.com)

Nope. While Obama is the 44th president, only 43 Americans have taken the presidential oath, since Grover Cleveland took the oath for each of his separate terms.

Was this a minor error by "57 state" Obama? Yes. Would the Swamp headline it as a major gaffe if a Republican said it? You betcha.

Teresa, George Bush was a Republican, but if you think he was a conservative, you are an idiot. Bush was very liberal, and government expanded under during his presidency. That is why he was very unpopular with conservative Republicans
Posted by: Max Sherwood | January 20, 2009 6:01 PM

Give me a break. Conseratives loved Bush with every fiber of their being....until it became painfully obvious to everyone throughout the world that he was a complete failure.

Bush is yours, you own him and right now he has succeeded in making the word "Republican" lower than dirt.

Mission Accomplished!

After reading all these comments I quickly went to my new Obama ouja board to seek an independent answer to this serious constitutional dilemma. You guess it, classified via a Bush presidential finding.

.....
Obama is even more liberal, so expect Bush-style policy in overdrive in the next four years. The problem is, no one wants to hear the truth or face reality, they would rather hang it all on "hope" than vote for someone with real ideas (and no, I'm not talking about John McCain).

Posted by: Max Sherwood | January 20, 2009 6:01 PM
.....

There is so much wrong here. Market principles lead to a market crash that is scaring the pants off of everybody and even its chief architect, Alan Greenspan, admitted as much. And reducing the size and role of government? After you've spent us in to oblivion with tax cuts for the rich, the Iraq war and now the bailout of the economy? How can you ever talk about these things again and have anybody take your party seriously?

The elephant is the room, is that your Republican party had pretty much the run of the whole U.S. government and screwed it up royally. Foreign policy. Domestic policy, Economic policy. The country laid waste in every direction.

Here's some advice, since I know you won't take it. Start with truth. Admit that absolute power corrupted absolutely. That market places don't run without regulation because everybody cheats and nobody wins. That stripping the middle class to enrich the wealthy robs from everybody. That being a bully in the world leads to dead Americans, ruined reputation and and empty treasury.

That somewhere, you'll find good, honest people who can debate policy without using fear, smear and racism.

That somehow you'll find some honest-to-goodness morals and a desire to serve the country and not a bunch of lobbyists.

Otherwise, sir, your Republican party will operate on the fringes of society clinging to a couple of electoral votes in the Southern States.

The REALITY is that Obama stumbled first. He began speaking the oath before he was suppose to, which threw Roberts off. Even the far left MSNBC admits this. But the totally corrupt and incapable of truthful reporting Chicago Obune Washington Obama PR Bureau is incapable of telling the truth. Right, Mark, Frank, et al?
But as said before, what is the big deal?

neal:
are supreme appointed people expected to memorize the Constitution?
Do you even know the first 10 amendments by heart?

yes...roberts is to blame. but let's face it folks. had this been a republican, or God forbid, Bush, oooohh wouldn't the left wing comedy writers and professional hate mongers be having a field day. hopefully...maybe all the haters will actually listen to what their President says. Put simply...gow up!

To the person who commented on "faithfully" being inserted at the correct place, let me remind you that there cannot be a split infinitive unless there is an infinitive.

"There is no requirement to use a Bible. As uttered in an episode of The West Wing, "You could be sworn in on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue if you wanted." As for an atheist president: well, we'll likely never have one.

Posted by: Tim | January 20, 2009 4:53 PM "

To take that further,

- There is no requirement for any object to swear upon whatsoever. All that is required is to state the oath.

- That constitution specifically allows an option to "affirm" rather than swear.

- There probably have been quite a few atheist (or agnostic, etc.) Presidents, and will likely be many more. They just will not likely admit it in public. Many believe (though there is quite a bit of debate on this) that Lincoln was at least agnostic.

Isn't it odd that the populace seems to only want gullible people as our leader?

PS. It is generally a bad idea to get legal facts from a TV show. I did like West Wing though.

The U.S. Constitution requires every U.S. president to take the oath of office before he or she can take office. Not just presidents named "Bush" or "Clinton" or "Nixon" or "Johnson"... all of them.

BO flubbed the oath by interrupting at the beginning. Apparently Roberts graciously took the blame. Let's say the oath was "close enough for government work."

Notice though how the press is already making excuses... no surprise there.

What a kerfuffle. The right wing things Obama isn't really president. The left wingnuts think that Roberts did it on purpose.

Hey -- they both screwed up. IT's the human side of things.

Preemptive Note to Wingnuts, PUMAs and whatever RNC Bruce and little Johnny D call themselves nowdays:

No, the fact that Roberts and Obama tripped over the oath doesn't mean that President Obama isn't actually President Obama. Nor does his birth certificate. Nor does that fact that he was born in August, or in 1961. Sorry! He's your president now!

Why is your hero John Roberts unable to repeat a short simple statement without screwing it up, with the whole world watching?

Lack of preparation was the hallmark of the Bush administration, too bad this Chief Justice will be with us for generations.

Can you all just give John Roberts a break?? This was a genuine error.........no big deal no conspiracy theory and hey nobody died!!

Well, There is five minutes I'll never get back. I did like the hamburger idea though!

Clinging to straws, much?
A toast to President Obama! Here's to eight years of responsibility, compassion, and a marvelous command of the English language. Make us proud! :)

Sinc,

Obama08

Last time I looked, both of them are human.

I'm sitting here in Australia laughing at the level of fuss going on over two men simply letting nerves momentarily get the better of them and managing to tangle each other up during the swearing of an oath. I mean, BIG DEAL!!!

To me, what's important is how good-natured, mature and calm BOTH their reactions were and how they clearly understood that it's the intent and spirit that matters, NOT whether a person makes an innocent mistake.

Seems quite a few of the posters here sorely need to learn that lesson.

Do you think it matters that Chief Justice Roberts got a case of stage fright or nerves? He's still the Chief Justice, and can serve until he dies if he chooses to do so.

Think it matters Prez Obama got a case of nerves? He's still the President, and serves until he's voted out in 2012 or finishes his term in 2016.

Let the games begin...

You have to be stupid to believe Chief Roberts made a mistake. He did it on purpose to trip President Obama. RememberSenator Obama voted against Chief Roberts nomination to the Supreme Court. Wake up people!
I do not trust Roberts and the right wing of religious fanatics'

Was it me or did he say "Does you swears to..." and then he said something about 'axing' something.. I heard it.

At first I thought the President forgot what had been spoken to him as the oath was said , that is what led me to this web site. I now now it was misread or spoken by chief justice Roberts (no relation to me). I now have even more FAITH that Obama is the one for our country.

At least Obama caught it!!! Would of been really bad if he hadnt.

Two things after a very careful listen:

When the President and the Chief Justice spoke simultaneously (as the Chief Justice was saying "do solemnly swear"), the Chief Justice might have been thrown off. However, throughout the President was unflappable.

Second, in addition to fixing the grammar of the oath by moving the adverb "faithfully" to a later and more-proper-though-stilted slot, the likely-flustered Chief Justice ORIGINALLY said incorrectly "President TO the United States," but then later the Chief Justice stammered correctly "President OF the United States" -- which the President patiently waited for before saying "President of the United States faithfully." So the President had good grammar AND the correct preposition "of"!

I did not like the slant of the writing insofar as I believe it mentioned Obama was a constitutional lawyer in the past. Well this is the Chief Justice! Who has a greater obligation to be versed in the constitution?

I really think this is a non issue, to read too much into is a great misservice to us all.

But not sure I understand the writers point/education/inteligence? Trying to be provocative?

Let's get past this point and move forward. It serves no purpose for us or them? They can move on let us.

First the President jumped his cue, but stopped and let the Chief Justice finish the phrase "do solemnly swear;" then the Chief Justice made two or three mistakes, depending on what you count: 1) he omitted "faithfully" in its correct place; said "to" instead of "of" the United States; 3) inserted "faithfully" at the end of the phrase. The President smiled at the first of these errors and paused, prompting the Chief Justice to correct himself, which he did. But then the President followed the version with the misplaced adverb. It was, I thought, a moment of warmth between them: both smiled (the First Lady seemed to be suppressing a laugh). Much as formulas are important in law, I do not think these slip-ups marred the ceremony; to my mind they enhanced its human value. In any event, if the case comes before the High Court, the Chief Justice of the United States will obviously have to recuse himself.

The phrase "will faithfully execute" is NOT a split infinitive because "will execute" is NOT an infinitive. Please do not correct grammar when it isn't incorrect in the first place. "Faithfully" is an adverb, so it can be correctly inserted many places in a sentence.

I am happy to be an American but extremely concerned for all of us who own small businesses. If small business has no incentive to spend money and grow then neither will the USA. Obama's tax plan is going to discourage anyone to get into or grow and existing small business. I have worked extremely hard to build a successful business for the past 20 years only to find out now that our tax system will kill motivation with small business that provide millions of working jobs.
What a shame and shame on you President Obama and all you Politician, Liberals and network media.
Doug K

Oh come on... I think both PBO and CJJR were both nervous.. just being human I guess. Cut them both a slack..

Uh oh, here come the grammar police.

Omens?

Metal detectors fail and guests of honor aren't admitted?

Roberts screws up?

Well, maybe not so accidental after all.

Intentional acts can't be omens, can they?

tHIS IS A VRY BAD OMEN

This is a very bad Omen which was probably orchastrated

after all they are both are human being.....Obama was the president of the United States of America at noon .... no matter of the oath..

Not only Chief Justice said it wrong the first time, but he mixed up words the second time as well; President noticed it first time and still repeated exactly the same as Chief Justice said it the first time: so President showed both: the knowledge of Constitution and of course, that yes - he can repeat the Oath perfectly; not everyone can give such amazing speeches like President Obama, and amazing speeches follow as reflection of amazing thoughts and ideas, and we are blessed to have such an amazing soul for our President!!!!!

Liberal lunes can not admit that Obama spoke over the Chief Justice initially, throwing the Chief Justice off.

Admit it.... Obama looked and appeared nervous during the entire oath. Watch carefully how Obama nearly talked over Roberts several more times. Maybe B.O was freaking out that his new job actually required making decisions vs. giving speeches off a tele-prompter.

How Dare Jesse Jackson Jr deliberately and in a calculating way, once again station himself at a National event so that HE can be seen. As he does at every State of the Nation address he positions himself on the aisle where the passing dignitaries must greet him---all the while playing to the camera.

And here he was again today doing the same thing, right along the aisle along the way to the Oath of Office Acceptance Speech. And to be shown in every possible scene in the crowd behind the President as he took it.

This is further proof this man is not of the People but of himself---he of now proven Rat status by his cooperation with the Feds, he of pay to play with Blago, he of the Lottery Director position wanting wife of his.

An Outrage this man has not figured out the definition of humility in Leadership. His shakedown daddy taught him well.

Obama will be wise to distance himself from this reminder of the terrible past.

We dont need storefront preachers and shakedown civil rights profiteers any longer. We now have a true Leader that is color blind. JJJr is a constant reminder of the Victimhood that has plagued his constituents far too long.

Get out of the way JJ, literally.

After reading the tenor of most comments on this article, I though immediately about a portion of President Obama's inaugural speech today:

"On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false prromises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have stangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things."

I think many posters here would serve the level of the discourse well if they would heed these words of the new President. We are each responsible for the tone we set, the points on which we choose to focus, and the manner in which we engage each other. So many on the Mall today recognized this. So do countless others across the nation. We can't afford to get mired down like this with so many important things to accomplish, even if this is The Swamp!

Moving on.... did Pres Obama leave out, "to the best of my ability near the end of the oath

I did not like the slant of the writing insofar as I believe it mentioned Obama was a constitutional lawyer in the past. Well this is the Chief Justice! Who has a greater obligation to be versed in the constitution?

I really think this is a non issue, to read too much into is a great misservice to us all.

But not sure I understand the writers point/education/inteligence? Trying to be provocative?

Let's get past this point and move forward. It serves no purpose for us or them? They can move on let us.

He's my president. He's my hero. I voted for Bush, but, then again, I'm not talking about George Bush, I'm talking about Bush. I love Obama. I want to have his children. Oh, wait, I'm a guy. That won't work.

Too many Americans aren't that bright. Too many of those have strong opinions without knowing how ignorant they are.

I, George Walker Bush,
I, George Walker Bush,

Do solemly swear,
Do solemly swear,

Obama tried to do it right. The guy he voted against wouldn't let him.

Righty nuts exposed their ignorance supporting WRONG Roberts. Blind, dumb, partisan anti-American scum.

Boy, i am so glad Bush didn't flub up like that, and Bush is an idiot according to the left. But I am at least glad that we are going to be more self responsible, attack the terrorist, lead the world, and create more rich people under Barack. All the things he attacked Bush for then espoused in his inaugural speech. I think we elected a liberal and got a conservative. what do you know, may be a conspiracy.

Invalid, illegal and unprofessional, he has to re-do it clean or he is not my president!

Roberts spoke fast. Obama repeated his words as long as he remembered them, and then he stopped and smiled. That smile pushed Roberts to correct and repeat. Anyway, the word "faithfully" was said. If Roberts did this on purpose, he did not get what he wanted. The President of the U. S. deserves respect. It is a good thing also to use the Holy Bible for oaths because if God is not recalled, then why take any oath? The Holy Bible forbids to make oaths of any kind, but it also says that if an oath is to be done, it will only be done in the Name of the One God. Besides, oaths are taken in the presence of God, not by His Holy Name.

p.s. kahn is right on, when Roberts said "to" instead of "of" it hurt my brain.

No infinitives were split, as several posters have said. In any case, it is a superstition that you cannot split an infinitive in English, a superstition which arises from Latin, in which the infinitive is a single word. (See Fowler's Modern English Usage.)

President Obama was gracious in stating the oath the way it was first presented. Perhaps he should have stated it both ways, rather than pick one? Actually, I think his pause was a moment of personal reflection that he was taking a solemn oath, THE solemn oath that no one 4 years ago or even 2 years ago thought he would be taking...rather than a moment of waiting for the Chief to correct himself.

Since Obama had already memorized the oath, he should have just said his line correctly. Justice Roberts would have realized his goof, and they would have continued on as if nothing had happened, just like actors in live theater who have to deal with this.

If the President swears to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, is he committing treason if he does not obey, protect and defend the Constitution?

Did Bush obey, protect and defend the Constitution?

Roberts made a mistake , but Obama made a big mistake by repeating the mistake of Roberts.
This was Obama's moment. He should have been more careful and proved once again,
he is just a bunch of false promises and all he care is his image.

Listening again, that was a strange aberration from the usual oaths.

Roberto used the middle name but the President just said "Barack Obama".

Did I hear that part right?

Seems Roberto is not ready for prime time.

Look for someone on the extreme right to challenge the validity of Obama's inauguration, based on the minor glitch in the oath. They tried and failed to challenge his election on the notion that he wasn't born in the U.S. (notwithstanding that Hawaii had already been a state for two years), and therefore wasn't a citizen. Sometimes it's good for history to repeat itself.

Boy, i am so glad Bush didn't flub up like that, and Bush is an idiot according to the left. But I am at least glad that we are going to be more self responsible, attack the terrorist, lead the world, and create more rich people under Barack. All the things he attacked Bush for then espoused in his inaugural speech. I think we elected a liberal and got a conservative. what do you know, may be a conspiracy.

Article II, Section 1, which begins by saying the president "shall" take the oath "before he enter on the execution of his office."

Which means that anything that Obama ordered today (as well as being just plain stupid) was unlawful. Anything he orders until he retakes the oath is unlawful.
Every special interest group in the country has been "reading" into the Constitution anything that serves its ends for decades now. On top of it we have to ignore it when it reads clearly?
Respecting the meaning and spirit of the Constitution requires respect for the intentions of the founding fathers in writing it, not any meaning and mean or selfish spirit present in our society today. The Constitution only protects if its timeless and universal guarantees are not stupidly extended, limited, nor altered as a result of the baseless popular notions of a given generation.

This President has not even sworn to protect the Constitution whether he understands and honors that responsibility in all its detail or not. It doesn't take a Constitutional lawyer...if you don't recite the words of an oath to anything, you haven't taken THE oath.

You'd think if he was such a smart constitutional lawyer, he would have just said the oath correctly and not followed the lead of someone else. No 'change" in site, except what's left in my pocket after all the taxes are paid.....

if you don't recite the words of an oath to anything, you haven't taken THE oath.

Posted by: Dave | January 21, 2009 11:22 AM

I think it time most Americans put away their childish ways, grow up, and take part in helping the country solve it's problems.

Among those "childish ways" you will of course include oath-taking...and giving one's word or being held to it. We have put aside so many "childish ways" such as acting responsibly, respecting all and not selected facts, not confusing image with character, being precise and rigorous, holding the guilty responsible, shunning liars and thieves, giving credit where due, putting honor before luxury or gain, being honest, respecting persons or institutions when they deserve it, knowing how to put our own house in order before "saving" the world...
I saw nothing wrong with President Obama's manner during the ceremony, beyond his tiny initial blunder, he reacted kindly and with visible warmth and good humor (and apparent familiarity with the text of the oath) to the errors of the Chief Justice, but he did repeat them. Technically, he did not take THE oath before beginning to EXECUTE his office. He is also WRONG in what he says about a number of our country's problems and right on others. To solve those problems we are going to have to learn to communicate, and being a lot more attentive to detail in content and form (and a lot more keen on just what is Constitutional and what is not) would help us do that. Jumping all over someone before you know where he or she is coming from will not. We won't correct our problems until we correct ourselves first.

I would like to point out that my post yesterday (2nd one) was right.

Thank you!

Bush crossed his fingers when he took the oath.

A truly Freudian slip by the Chief Justice. Delicious!

The Messiah screwed up?
Never! Obama was so anxious to say and hear His own "full" name, He jumped the gun! That's right, it is Obama's fault !!! Repeat after me Mr. President Select," I made a mistake, I screwed up"! It's called personal resposiblity. Get used to it, there's plenty more coming your way....

For the person claiming Obama didn't swear to uphold the Constituion, you are sorely mistaken. He did...and had made that particular oath prior to the inauguration. All persons who pass a state bar exam take an oath to uphold the Constitution.
Further the swearing in ceremony was a pure incident of people being human. The words are to be given in short lines, which is why President Obama spoke over Chief Justice Roberts to begin.
Chief Justice replaced the word "of" with "to", and put "faithfully" in the wrong place. It was his first time giving the oath and he tried to do it from memory. No harm, no foul.
I pray that God leads some of you out of the path of ignorance and hatred upon which you travel.
We all must learn to forgive and work together. Otherwise a house divided will surely fall.

Wondering why the Bible wasn't used in the second oath? And why not in public? Is there something hiding as the hidden birth certificate?

WOW.....after reading some of the comments made... it sounds like the house of representitives in dead lock..we could look at everything mr. obama does under a microscope and what would we find in the end?....( oh....he's human. ) I think that we should be looking at actions....not words... we could nit pick all the little things that really don't matter until the second coming...mr. obama has a big plate in front of him..and I will pray for him and our country that we make the right decisions for america.I know for one that I wouldn't want to be the incoming president and inherit what he will have to deal with..ie war in iraq,,,,war in afganistan...the economy....the events in palistine.. terroism...our dependance on oil...better fuel economical cars. better energy production.. the job of president is a really tough job. we should be arguing about how to solve the problems we have, and not the bitty things that don't really matter....its the big things that get you ...not the insignificant things.