I'm hoping this is not a sign.....
Published on January 20 2009
The Flub Watch
The oath is specified in the U.S. Constitution, so you'd think it would be flub-proof -- especially when delivered by skilled lawyers in front of 2 million people on the Mall and trillions on television. It states: "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." It didn't go exactly that way. Here's a transcript of the Roberts-Obama verbal tango (complete with stepped-on-feet): ROBERTS: Are you prepared to take the oath, Senator? OBAMA: I am. ROBERTS: I, Barack Hussein Obama... OBAMA: I, Barack... ROBERTS: ... do solemnly swear... OBAMA: I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear... ROBERTS: ... that I will l execute the office of president to the United States faithfully... OBAMA: ... that I will execute... ROBERTS: ... faithfully the office of president of the United States... OBAMA: ... the office of president of the United States faithfully... ROBERTS: ... and will to the best of my ability... OBAMA: ... and will to the best of my ability... ROBERTS: ... preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. OBAMA: ... preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. ROBERTS: So help you God? OBAMA: So help me God. ROBERTS: Congratulations, Mr. President.