Once More, With Feeling

[howeird]

And with the right words. Obama was sworn in again:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5567187.ece
because, as I mentioned earlier, technically he was not President when he and the Cheaps Justice botched the oath of office. The Constitution is quite clear on this:
ARTICLE II SECTION I

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."

Comments

[howeird]

I don't see any problem with adding an affirmation after the oath, such as "so help me god" or "thank you, jesus" or "fuckin' A!"

[dprisoner.livejournal.com]

Actually, I think the point should be that Justice Roberts inserted the "So help you God" when it isn't part of the oath. Anything after the oath on part of the swearee is up to them and not the swearer.

[howeird]

True. But my understanding is the President-elect asked for "so help me god" to end the oath. He also was the one who decided use his full name (many Presidents have opted for just the middle initial, and some did not even use that, Thomas Woodrow Wilson and Stephen Grover Cleveland asked to only use their middle names). The President-elect also has to inform the oath-giver whether he will swear or if he will affirm (the Constitution lists both possibilities). As long as the words in the Constitution are said without alteration, anything else, I think, is perfectly legal.