President Barack Obama took the oath of office yesterday administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, in the Blue Room of the White House, using a bible that belonged to First Lady Michelle Obama’s paternal grandparents. First Lady Michelle Obama, was holding the Robinson family Bible, along with daughters Malia and Sasha.
At the right side of the room sat Marian Robinson, the First Lady's mother; the president's sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, and other family members.
According to the Presidential Inaugural Committee Media Guide, "The bible was a gift from the First Lady's father, Fraser Robinson III, to his mother, LaVaughn Delores Robinson, on Mother's Day in 1958. Mrs. Robinson was the first African American woman manager of a Moody Bible Institute's bookstore; this was the only Bible she ever used."
Four years ago, Chief Justice Roberts flubbed the "35-word oath of office." The oath of office is as follows:
"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."
The words "So help me God" isn't contained in the Constitution, but has been traditionally added to the oath and ceremony.
The ceremony in the White House was held because the Constitution mandates that the President takes the oath on Jan. 20 at noon. Since that date falls on a Sunday this year, the public inauguration ceremony and festivities will take place later today.
Send John Presta an email and your story ideas or suggestions, johnpresta@att.net.
John is the author of an award-winning book, the 2010 Winner of the USA National Best Book award for African American studies, published by The Elevator Group, Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots. Also available an eBook on Amazon. John is also a member of the Society of Midland Authors and is a book reviewer of political books for the New York Journal of Books . John has volunteered for many political campaigns.
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