Spring Break
First inauguration for Roberts as chief justice
Associated Press
Issue date: 1/21/09 Section: News
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"Are you prepared to take the oath, senator?" Roberts asked Obama, who was holding the Bible that Abraham Lincoln used the day he became president in 1861.
The swearing in began simply enough as Roberts started reciting the oath Obama was to repeat, a few words at a time.
"I, Barack Hussein Obama ...," began Roberts.
"I, Barack ...," said Obama, and before he could continue, Roberts said, " ... 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 execute the office of president of the United States ..."
Obama: "... the office of president of the United States faithfully ..."
At that point, Roberts got back on course, leading as Obama followed with "and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
"So help you God?" asked Roberts.
"So help me God."
By tradition, the presidential oath is administered by the chief justice, and in Roberts' case, it was his first inauguration.
Later, as he and Obama chatted briefly before lunch in the Capitol, Roberts appeared to take responsibility for the error.
Roberts hosted Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the high court last week in a social call, and the swearing in was one of the first of what could be many important interactions between the heads of two branches of government who rose to their positions of power quickly and who have some background similarities, but whose politics differ.
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