President Barack Obama and Chief Justice John Roberts will have a second chance to
not flub their lines with the 57th inauguration later this month. In fact, as with
four years ago, they will go through the ritual of the swearing-in two times—at the
White House on Sunday, January 20, and at the Capitol on Monday, January 21.
It was similar but in reverse order in 2009, when at the public swearing-in at the
Capitol on January 20, Roberts misspoke the precise words of the oath, which is a
legal no-no. The Constitution requires the President to say: “I do solemnly swear
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.” At the Capitol podium, Roberts said, “. . . that I will execute the office
of President to the United States faithfully.” The flub caused Obama to stumble a
little, too.
But in fairness to the chief justice, it was a very cold day. Even the strings on Yo-Yo Ma’s cello nearly froze. “It was wicked cold,” Ma said. Roberts took responsibility
for not acing the oath.
The next evening, January 21, Obama, in a suit, and Roberts, in his judicial robes,
met in the White House Map Room, where the oath was redone without a hitch.
“I will be honored to again stand on the inaugural platform and take part in this
important American tradition,” said President Obama in a statement issued by the Presidential
Inauguration Committee on Friday. “I look forward to having Chief Justice John Roberts
administer my oath of office.” The PIC said Justice Sonia Sotomayor will swear in
Vice President Joseph Biden.
Inaugural ceremonies are not held on Sunday, which is why Obama and Biden will take
the oath on January 20 at the White House—required by law and considered the “official”
oath—and then again the next day at the Capitol. The Sunday conflict has happened
six times before. Details of the White House swearing-in have not been announced,
though it is likely there will be live broadcast coverage.
Due to the redo four years ago, and the fact he has to take the oath twice this year,
it makes Obama only the second President to take the oath of office four times. The
other was Franklin Roosevelt, who was elected to four terms.
Chief Justice Roberts Will Swear In President Obama, As He Did in 2009
Hopefully without the verbal hiccup of last time that required a do-over.
President Barack Obama and Chief Justice John Roberts will have a second chance to
not flub their lines with the 57th inauguration later this month. In fact, as with
four years ago, they will go through the ritual of the swearing-in two times—at the
White House on Sunday, January 20, and at the Capitol on Monday, January 21.
It was similar but in reverse order in 2009, when at the public swearing-in at the
Capitol on January 20, Roberts misspoke the precise words of the oath, which is a
legal no-no. The Constitution requires the President to say: “I do solemnly swear
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.” At the Capitol podium, Roberts said, “. . . that I will execute the office
of President to the United States faithfully.” The flub caused Obama to stumble a
little, too.
But in fairness to the chief justice, it was a very cold day. Even the strings on
Yo-Yo Ma’s cello nearly froze. “It was wicked cold,” Ma said. Roberts took responsibility
for not acing the oath.
The next evening, January 21, Obama, in a suit, and Roberts, in his judicial robes,
met in the White House Map Room, where the oath was redone without a hitch.
“I will be honored to again stand on the inaugural platform and take part in this
important American tradition,” said President Obama in a statement issued by the Presidential
Inauguration Committee on Friday. “I look forward to having Chief Justice John Roberts
administer my oath of office.” The PIC said Justice Sonia Sotomayor will swear in
Vice President Joseph Biden.
Inaugural ceremonies are not held on Sunday, which is why Obama and Biden will take
the oath on January 20 at the White House—required by law and considered the “official”
oath—and then again the next day at the Capitol. The Sunday conflict has happened
six times before. Details of the White House swearing-in have not been announced,
though it is likely there will be live broadcast coverage.
Due to the redo four years ago, and the fact he has to take the oath twice this year,
it makes Obama only the second President to take the oath of office four times. The
other was Franklin Roosevelt, who was elected to four terms.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Trump Wants to Move Federal Jobs Out of the DC Area. Here’s What It Was Like the Last Time He Did That.
PHOTOS: The 2024 White House Holiday Decor
The First Thanksgiving Took Place in Virginia, not Massachusetts
Elon Musk Wants to Own Permanent Daylight Saving Time
The US Tried Permanent Daylight Saving Time in the ’70s. People Hated It
Washingtonian Magazine
December Issue: Learn Something New
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
What Does the DC “Love Is Blind” Tell Us About Life in the District?
The Lost History of a DC Black Neighborhood That Was Never Built
The “DMV Roving Sketcher” Is Like a Courtroom Artist for Local Musicians
How the National Gallery of Art Is Experimenting With the Science of Lines
More from News & Politics
Taylor Swift Retains Her Top Spot on DC’s Spotify Wrapped
Elon Musk Wants to Own Permanent Daylight Saving Time
This Georgetown Estate Rents for $25,000 a Night
PHOTOS: The 2024 White House Holiday Decor
Ambassadors, Chefs, Politicos: Photos of the Best Parties Around DC
20 Charities in the DC Area That Will Put Your Donation to Good Use
What Does the DC “Love Is Blind” Tell Us About Life in the District?
MAP: Road Closures for Washington Spirit Rally at Audi Field Tonight