About that oath flub

Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 12:22 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Pete Williams
The recitation of the presidential oath came in fits and starts.

The Constitution prescribes the text: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

But Chief Justice John Roberts, using no notes, flubbed his lines, and Obama knew it.

First, Obama jumped in before the "do solemnly swear" phrase, which seemed to throw the chief justice off his stride. Roberts rendered the next phrase as "that I will execute the office of President to the United States faithfully."

"That I will execute," Obama repeated, then paused like a school teacher prompting his student with a slight nod. Roberts took another shot at it: "The off ... faithfully the pres ... the office of President of the United States."

The oath then got more or less back on track after that. Close enough for government work.

NBC's Abby Livingston adds the transcript:
ROBERTS: I, Barack Hussein Obama...
OBAMA: I, Barack...
ROBERTS: ... do solemnly swear...
OBAMA: I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear...
ROBERTS: ... that I will 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.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

i dont like him but, he is owr president and we have to live with him and be thankfull there is someone to take care of the Snited States of America

Trevor Neilson (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:02 PM)

Carol Anne, What!! Too much Christianity!!! Please, There was way too little if you ask me. There can never be too much of God anywhere. You better hope God is with us with this administration. I will not allow people like you to cut our God out of any situation. Leave Christianity alone or at least give it a chance. I can't imagine not believing in something. Trust me, Obama is not your God, I wish the county would quit treating him as if he is. He is human!!! I do hope our new president allows God to guide him in our time of need. Pray my fellow Americans, we need it!!

Rebecca Bolton, Seymour , IN (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:02 PM)

"First Read......Obama flubbed HIS line, and you KNOW it!
More proof that he just cant speak without that teleprompter.
Stop LYING, and start telling the TRUH! "

Hahahaha, you idiot. Clearly if the Chief Justice read the wrong line as a prompt, HE'S the one that flubbed his line. Quit being one of the idiots who are just trying to talk down everything this man does before he even has the chance to prove himself. Pull the Republican stick out of your a** and prepare for this country to get back on track.

Matt (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:03 PM)

Oh stop it, the oath is over, he is the President and hopefully the Country will move on. Congratulation Mr. President, and Congratulation Mr. Vice President, job well done, both of you.

Willie T. Purdom (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:03 PM)

i dont like him but hes owr president and we should be great full for a man not a woman to lead the United States of America

Trevor Neilson, utah (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:05 PM)

Obama never swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Mike Romero, El Paso, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:06 PM)

Yep he is a flubber, actually they both were "rewind". Oh Well, chalk another one for TV Flubbers of 2009.

D.Rangel, Dallas TX (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:06 PM)

wh do you have to always find blame remember they are only human just like you and me not one among you are perfict and have never said or done something a little wrong when the time was right [yea i know]so top looking to blame and try to find a way to help or maybe make this place a little better for all of us

mike mayer (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:06 PM)

Perhaps I'm a doom-sayer, but I wonder if Justice Robert's flub could have had anything to do with the 'seizure' he suffered last summer? The Supremes (not the old musical group!) are not known for their transparency--especially on what they consider 'private' issues.

fwrite (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:08 PM)

I have recited a version of this oath numerous times in my service of the country. Each oath of office, whether for soldier, senator or president starts out with; "I__________________do solemnly swear",...

Every private knows how to take this oath. Obama does not and he just demonstrated a FAIL. You wait until you hear the entire first line and only then do you recite it.

OBAMA JUMPED THE GUN and cut off Chief Justice Roberts before he had completed the line, thus showing Obama does not even know how to properly take the oath of office - something even Bush can do perfectly.

Obama screwed up the cadence, the timing and his "moment in front of the world" which will live in infamy and the disgrace of the United States of America.

Time to call Bush back into to preside until we get a real leader, not this Fraud, this boy, this media invention, this empty suit.

Oh yeah. The constant harping and criticism payback for the way the Rats and their media have treated others - begins today... Get used to it.

Democrat Culture of Corruption (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:08 PM)

Ok, FR this is becoming a bit ridiculous - don't you think.

Petty at best - you guys have to do better; you are being to disappoint U.S.

I also see you guys have been posting a lot more "Obama" haters today.

Stirring up the pot - huh?

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:08 PM)

Though not in the right order, he at least got the words right, right?

Sytze Vliegen, Utrecht, Netherlands (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:09 PM)

Does anyone else think it's hilarious that this guy's name is "Merle"? What's the "J" stand for, Judd?

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

jonymc (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:09 PM)

why do we only see the bad side of things,at the ebd we're all human Obama go on and do the work may the good God see you thru

julie sodje london uk. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:10 PM)

I enjoyed what was said and how. He proved we all are human and we all make mistakes. It just goes to show it can and will happen too anyone. If that is all they have on him, he is off to a good start. Praise God!

yvrm, florida (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:12 PM)

This was obviously the judge - he blew his lines, not Obama - the transcript shows it. He also interrupted Obama as he was trying to say his lines, the judge didn't give him time to repeat the oath segments! I can see now that he was trying to correct the line he just flubbed...

SnohoGal98296 (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:12 PM)

Ohh man!...that was pathetic...it looked so stupid..funny stuff though..:)

Frank Steve (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:13 PM)

he was under the biggest pressure of the world , give him a break,it happens.

j (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:14 PM)

I think John Roberts flubbed up on purpose! He doesn't like Obama, and further more, he should have read it off a paper, he never swore in a president before, as a matter of fact he has'nt done much of anything before, and he knows he would flub it up.

gepa (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:15 PM)

According to other articles I've read Obama requested that they use his full name in the oath so I doubt he was surprised J. Merle. I mean it's his name. Would you flinch at your own name? Oh nevermind.

Congrats to Obama. This is actually the first time I've ever been proud of my country during my lifetime and I'm rather enjoying. Hopefully this event lifts everyones spirits and readys us for change.

Angela, Hollidaysburg, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:16 PM)

Somebody, please, please shut J. Merle Stanley UP.... I thought NY is a Democratic state....Live for the moment!!
President Barack Obama is our President. Didn't you see how the people of Kenya were rejoicing!! He is a son of their soil and ours. Let us "AMERICA" rejoice!!

jaq, southern NJ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:17 PM)

keith ogreman is pretty hateful huh?

Tom Barnett (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:17 PM)

There is more Love than Hatred in this country and in the world for our new President. God Bless America.

And God Bless our Beloved President Obama.

HKnight (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:17 PM)

******************************************************PLEASE NOTE;.....THIS IS WHAT obaMANIACS THINK ABOUT FREE SPEECH;*****************************************

"...Give it up J Merle - Obama is the president and unless you want to move to Canada - get over it. We lived [and died] with Bush, so bring it on, you and the rest of the deadenders!. Run the tape! ..."
Kay P Tempe AZ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 12:45 PM)

AND...

"...Still bitter, aren't we, J. Merle?

US Constitution, Article II, Section 1 includes the following...

"Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"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."

Crawl back into your hole, you little troll! ..."
Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 12:47 PM)

To KAY & Pete;
You can BOTH go to hell!
Niether of the two of you, NOR your BOY, Barrack HUESEIN Obama, can take away our constititional right to free speech.
Obama is STILL an empty suite, with a big-large-flappin' mouth that he just can't seem to shut.
That's why he spoke OVER Justice Roberts and flubbed up his oath.
Let's see if he can back up all that TALK.
Frankly, I think he'll piss all over himself at the first sign of trouble.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:18 PM)

God Bless America and our 44th African American President. It's a fact you can't change that. Change has come to America. "No weapon formed against our president shall prosper" so suck it up, J. Merle and that's the TRUTH. Don't be a hater. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Agnes, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:18 PM)

lmao i get a kick out of reading this things,its amazing how many people love to argue about random worthless, unimportant stuff. i halg way down you cant even tell what the conversation was about all you hear is "im right ur wrong" and "no, im right your wrong!" lol

Jason Q, new jersey (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:19 PM)

the administer of the oath is expected to be able to respond to any difficulties that the respondee may have with his rendering of the oath. If they had to start over three times due to who knows what Roberts had the responsibility to be able to share the text of the oath with the respondee if it came down to that. I cannot imagine what it was that possessed him to go up there without the written text of the oath in hand. When I see him on the Golf course it will be one of the first things that I will ask him to explain. Talk about dumb, you have one job to do and you go up there unprepared for the job. Yes Obama jumped the gun in saying his name earlier than Roberts was ready for, but that kind of thing is not supposed to throw off the administer, administor?, of an oath. Roberts was foolish to make that mistake.

Paul (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:20 PM)

Maybe they are waiting for all the Democrats who moved to Canada when Bush was elected (twice) to come back.

Stu (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:21 PM)

The role of Roberts was to administer the oath. He administered it INCORRECTLY. It is not the responsibility of the person being honored to have to take control of everything. Obama's role was to REPEAT the oath as administered. Obama should not have had to think about anything, except getting off and on the stage, repeat the oath, give his speech and get on with the rest of the day. Roberts was a FOOL to administer the oath without a script, especially that it was his first time. Any person who has ever managed an event of this size and importance knows that NOTHING should be unscripted. Roberts should not have been allowed to administer the oath without a copy of it. So much for the Director of the Inauguration.

But this inauguration will be remembered for FAR MORE than this incident. Obama has a chance to say it again 2012. And maybe someone with less hubris will administer the oath!

DrFunZ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:21 PM)

Congratulations America. Wish you all the best with your new president.
Personally I’m al a little skeptic but that’s because in the Netherlands and Europe our experiences with leftwing politics are quite depressing. But maybe/probably there’s a difference between the left in the US and the left in Europe. Anyway, lot’s of success.
\

Stensen, Eindhoven, The Netherlands (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:22 PM)

People, people, people. Is this really what you want to fight about? Can't we just agree that Obama was sworn in and is now our President?

PJ Davis, Osage, KS (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:22 PM)

For those who don't realize, this country was founded on Christianity. There will never be too much of it on ANY stage!!

Angela C., Greensboro, NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:24 PM)

OK all you persons who thought Obama flubbed his oath of office, it was actually Chief Justice Roberts who didn't remember HIS lines!!

R.Lanf Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:26 PM)

I am so tired of this from both sides. ENOUGH please! Both sides truly are pathetic. Stop thinking you have taken the high road.

For 8 years the Dems have attacked President Bush. For 8 years before that the Reps attacked President Clinton.

Folks, the true definition of 'honorable behavior' is treating others with dignity even when they perhaps don't deserve it. If we continue on with this pattern of insulting whomever you don't agree with at every possible opportunity, then I feel sorrow for the path we are on.

President Clinton made mistakes. President Bush made mistakes. President Obama with probably make some mistakes. But these people were/are our President. If we truly want other nations to respect us, then it is time we start showing respect for each other, whether we agree or disagree.

<I now step down from my soapbox>

Phil, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:27 PM)

Why does the press and most people for that matter insit on calling Obama an African American (there is no such tyoe of person0. That would make all people of European descent "European Americans". Rather then Irish Americans or Polish Americans etc.

Also, they refer to him has the first balck President. Last I looked his mother was white. Making him a "mixed race" President. Either way who cares waht the color of his skin is. The time for all the talking is over. Get to work!

Billy Bob (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:27 PM)

OMG.....Are we seriously discussing the oath flub?????Surely the magnitude of what we all just witnessed is a more meaningful topic!!!

C. White, Emory, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:29 PM)

I don't see any of YOU critics standing up there, in front of the entire world, taking that oath. Go do something productive and then offer a point of view that has even a shred of merit.

Stephanie, Falls Church VA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:30 PM)

Ask yourself the following question and answer honestly: If it were George W. Bush who had been in the exact same situation and had the exact same result, would you brush it off and accept it as "being human"? If you answered "no", then you, sir, are worse than Hitler.

A. Taxpayer (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:31 PM)

LMAO!!! The moment I saw this little misstep I knew the haters would leap on it. You people are so entertaining, like going to the circus! How many of you clowns are going to try and fit in this clown car?
Barack Hussein Obama is the President of the United States, if you have any sense of patriotism you will stand with your president, wish him well, and show your support, else, go move to Iran or Venesuela where they won't mind your mouth. You don't belong on our side.

I Support the President (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:31 PM)

Obama made the decision to use his whole name, just like the rest of the American Presidents. Anybody that thinks otherwise is Wrong.

anf that's the TRUTH..

Kahlil Selah Williams (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:32 PM)

There is not a single person who will either remember or care about one slight hiccup in an otherwise stellar moment in American history. Obama is such a fantastic orator; when it comes to flubs he will always get the benefit of the doubt. You know the moment that I will always remember? Bush getting on "Executive One" and getting the hell out of town. Now THAT is the beginning of progress.

We will be remembered for what we build, not what we destroy. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:32 PM)

Obama didn't follow his leading. He is incompetent. His record shows that. For those of you who hate George Bush; you display just
how ignorant, intolerant and morally bankrupt you are. He is and will always be a great man.
Remember how your "Clintons" left office with their stealing and vandalism. And don't you just love the change "Hussein" is bringing to the White House; all Clintonites.
God help this country

Paul, Plympton, MA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:32 PM)

Okay this is really pathetic, on a day when American is setting the example by standing with their President in unity all folks can argue about is who missed their lines.

Get over it, Obama is now the American President.
Stop hating and start participating in making a positive contribution to your country & world.

Nicole Carter, Ontario Canada (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:33 PM)

Does it really matters if they messed up? How many times have we forgotten a speech or wording? I am sure that if any of us was speaking in front of millions of people live and that is not even including other media outlets that there were be mistakes done. GET OVER IT, OBAMA IS OUR PRESIDENT!! Also, I am glad that God was added, we need more God in our lives...and He will continue to guide and watch over the United States..

Sharon Charleston SC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:33 PM)

I believe Roberts deliberately sabotaged this historic moment. Since the first sound recording of a U.S. presidential inauguration, has the CJ ever flubbed before? I believe that Roberts, a dyed-in-the-wool partisan, wanted to deprive the nation of a solemn memory, preferring that the video record commemorate the glitch rather than the weight of the occasion. You can be sure that the video will be useless to the President's re-election campaign in 2012, which was probably Roberts's goal.

Ed, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:34 PM)

He sounded surprised when Roberts said his middle name...HUESEIN. I think that's what threw him off.
umm..you also mispelled "HUSSEIN" ...he he he this is too funny...i think youre the one that is getting nervous now , J.Merle

Claudia Indio, California (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:34 PM)

So what if they were both nervous and flubbed the lines? It shows they're both human. I'm sure it will be played and replayed perhaps to their chagrin, but a funny moment on a solemn day is a wonderful thing.

NY Gal (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:34 PM)

Peter , Philadelphia, please follow Joe's advice and move elsewhere, you and those like you are part of the problem in the country and the solution just came in. Move ON....Yes WE CAN

Miguel, Coral Gables FL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:35 PM)

Everyone is so ready to defend Obama. Everyone would be all over this in a heart if it was Bush. So, no matter what any one says " color " does matter. We are out to be politically correct because he is black. ( Excuse me: Half Black ) which everyone seems to have forgotten.

Melissa , Dallas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:36 PM)

he was correct when he said that he is the 44th American to take the oath, and by the way, Grover Cleveland was not the only person to have multiple terms. So I suggest you go back and count, this was the 57th time the oath has been administered and he was the 44th person to take that oath. If this was your greatest criticism, then we are in for a prosperous term under our 44th yes count 44th president.

JACKIE (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:37 PM)

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