MinnLawyer Blog

Pity poor Justice John Roberts, who not only flubbed the oath of office, but, despite Barack Obama’s best efforts, caused the incoming president to do the same. (See “Roberts, Obama jumble presidential oath of office.”)

Here is how the oath is supposed to be administered: “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 …”

Instead, Roberts said, “I do solemnly swear that I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully.”

Not wanting to repeat the mistake, Obama waited in awkward silence. The chief justice, soon realizing his mistake, corrected himself, stating, “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute …”

In repeating the oath, Obama inadvertently put the word “faithfully” after “the United States,” as Roberts did in his incorrect version, rather than before the word “execute,” as it should have been.

Normally a little slip up like this is no big deal, but, because of the historic nature of this particular inauguration,  it’s a glitch sure to be be watched over and over again by generations to come.  Oh, well. At least we now have the first entry for the blooper reel. I don’t want to rake the chief justice over the coals too much. I’m sure he feels bad enough. Let’s just say that his faith was a little misplaced, and leave it at that.

Here’s the footage of the actual administration of the oath of office for anyone who missed it or wants to see it again…