Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and President Barack Obama flubbed the oath of office today, stumbling when attempting to complete the “execute faithfully the office of president of the United States” portion of the swearing-in statement.
Roberts administered the oath.
“Are you prepared to take the oath, Senator?” he asked.
“I am,” Obama responded.
Roberts began by stating the president-elect’s name, but he was cut off before he could finish.
“I Barack …” Obama eagerly chimed in before Roberts could complete the first sentence.
Obama then allowed Roberts to continue.
“I Barack Hussein Obama do solemnly swear that I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully,” Roberts said, flipping some of the words.
“That I will execute …” Obama stumbled and stared blankly at Roberts.
Roberts repeated, ” … faithfully the office of president of the United States.”
“The office of president of the United States faithfully,” Obama said.
“And will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God,” he finally finished.
Obama began his inaugural speech incorrectly stating, “Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.”
In fact, only 43 presidents have done so, as Grover Cleveland held the office for two nonconsecutive terms.
