President Barack Obama stood before millions on Tuesday in the traditional inaugural celebration that represents the change of power in Washington, D.C. and became President of the United States.
Or did he?
In an effort to keep things on the up-and-up and ensure there was no debate, President Obama retook the oath Wednesday night, after he and Chief Justice John Roberts flubbed it earlier.
"We believe the oath of office was administered effectively and that the President was sworn in appropriately [Tuesday]," White House counsel Greg Craig said in a statement.
"Yet, the oath appears in the Constitution itself," he added. "And out of the abundance of caution, because there was one word out of sequence, Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath a second time."
And that's exactly what happened at 7:35 p.m. Wednesday night in the White House's Map Room. When Roberts asked if Obama - who took this second oath sans Bible - was ready, the President reportedly replied: "I am, and we're going to do it very slowly."
The word in question was "faithfully," which was misplaced by Roberts after Obama interrupted him during Tuesday's ceremony.
The Constitution is clear about the exact wording of the oath and as a result, some constitutional experts have said that a do-over probably wasn't necessary.
.... Reader comment that I agree with:
Chris Belena Jan 21, 2009 10:04:25 PM
Playing devil's advocate here: It seemed that they were both a little nervous on Tues morning. It was a big day and both may have been anxious.
via President Obama retakes oath of office.
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