Did Obama or Roberts flubbed the Oath?
We all saw that something happened during the recitation of the oath, and I guess we all thought that Obama must have misspoke or made a mistake. Of course, folks were saying that either they have to put more pauses in the oath to avoid any mistakes or use a teleprompter.
drudgereport.com stated that "Obama Flubs the Oath...", so they had a link to the YouTube video.
Now this is the actual presidential oath that is administered by the Supreme Court Chief Justice to the President-Elect:
"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."
While yes, Obama was starting to speak just right after Chief Justice Roberts paused between phrases, so I guess there was a bit of confusion, but Roberts misplaced the word "faithfully."
He said, "I will 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, faithfully."
So Obama stopped, hoping that Roberts can repeat it correctly, but the seconds went too long, so he started reciting what Roberts said. Of course, the rest of the oath went alright.
So settle down everyone. All the excitement, the crowd noise, and nerves, so yes, the word "faithfully" got flubbed.
The fact is that Roberts accidently spoke the wrong phrase. Obama was hoping he would correct himself, but there was no time. Just keep going and finish the oath.
The oath was both Obama and Roberts' first time. So please give both a break and focus on the future.
Comments
Posted by:
Posted on: January 20, 2009 03:55 PM
Or, it could have been that Roberts did it on purpose so as to allow a lawsuit by mouth-breathing moron Republicans to challenge Obama's Presidency. That is, since the oath was not administered correctly, then Obama is not President. This will, of course, go all the way up to the US Supreme Court where who (!) will finally decide?
See the rationale at http://www.redcounty.com/sarasota/2009/01/will-chief-justice-roberts-rea/
Posted by: James (Author)
Posted on: January 20, 2009 09:39 PM
Well, the question is whether the word "faithfully" which was stated in the wrong place, negates the Presidential Oath.
Now, it depends if that mistake changes the entire intent of the Oath.
Of course, Chief Justice Roberts and President Obama can re-do the Oath with witnesses and live media, and your previous question would be moot.
Posted by: dc
Posted on: January 21, 2009 02:42 PM
Though I agree that a do-over wouldn't hurt, I'm not sure that it would solve the problem entirely. Obama has already taken "Presidential" actions (signed nomination papers for his Cabinet appointments, issued proclamations, requested the halt of trials for certain Gitmo detainees) that could be subject to legal challenge even if the oath is readministered at a future date. I doubt such a challenge would succeed, but I'm not a lawyer, so I'd love to hear your thoughts.