THE VERBAL STUMBLING between Chief Justice John Roberts and now-president Barack Obama during the swearing-in ceremony caused a minor controversy.
The folks at Fox News questioned whether Obama was actually the president because he did not say the exact words as prescribed by law.
On Wednesday, about 36 hours after becoming president, Obama and Roberts again performed the oath so as to avoid further controversy.
Was Fox News acting in a biased, partisan manner when they questioned Obama's legitimacy as president? Or were they serving the role of government watchdog, acting on behalf of the citizens?
8 years ago
25 comments:
I think they were just nit picking. the man has already been elected. It sounds like Fox news was acting like the teacher's pet.
According to the constitution and several news outlets responding to the mishap the president elect officially becomes president at 12 pm on January 20 regardless of being sworn in. I have to believe that Fox News is aware of this fact and decided to call his presidency into question just because they could. I wouldn't doubt that they feel they're being responsible watchdogs, however.
Agreeing with the comment above... I remember a little after Biden was being sworn in, it was announced that Obama was officially the president of the United States. It's really awful that the newscasters would talk like that because a man missed up 3 or 4 words. Must have been a slow news day...
Everyone knows Fox News is a conservative news outlet and they will do anything to itch at the liberals. Like Christine has mentioned above, it does not matter what was said during the oath because at 12pm on tuesday, he was the President legally.
I agree with Christine on this one.It isn't just the oath that solidifies Obama's presidential authority, but it is The Constitution, which states that by noon on the 20th day of January, the elected is now officially in office. The far right has always been extremely critical of Obama, and will do anything to disrupt the hopeful and much needed leadership Obama has to offer.
I think it was an in favour of Obama do-over... or at least I'm hoping because I mean who didn't cringe during the stumbling?
The stumbling in words does not mean Obama is not president. Wow. It is pretty pety that FOX news had to poke fun at them for stumbling. The media continues to try and attack Obama whether it be for the picture that was sent around the internet with a turban on or saying Obama did not cover his heart during the pledge of allegiance, like these things matter. Yes Obama is president.
Personally, I felt bad for him. I mean he has so much riding on him anyway! Of course he was nervous and Fox was just looking for something to make headlines claiming "they caught it first".
Everyone makes mistakes and slips up once in awhile, even President Obama. Fox was just trying to make a bigger deal out of the situation, just because they can.
Although Pres. Obama stumbled, it wasn't because of his doing. From the info I gathered, it was the chief justice who stumbled due to nervousness. It was rumoured that Obama memorized the oath before the big day, and only stumbled because of the he when he realized the mistake. However, it is no secret that Fox, other right publications and politicans, are unhappy with Nation's choice and will blow up any story, no matter how insignificate.
Did any of you actually read the US Consititution, or are you just going by what you hear and see on the news?
Article II Section 1 Executive Branch; 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."
Paul Klein
former student of Prof. Miller
I agree with Sherae. And also want to add that it is FOX...and they seem to sway one "way" when it comes to media. My whole house falls to the right when they are on.
Thanks.
Interesting no jabs at MSNBC being tilted to the left. Guess it's OK?
Paul Klein
well, you must know where I stand...lol No, actually I am an independent. I also want to comment on the previous comment about referring to The Constitution. I honestly didn't know that it was actually said and not implied, yet there are many things that our succeeding presidents after Washington follow, that are implied or said in The Constitution. For example, the cabinet,and executive privliged( over used by many).
After Kennedy was assassinated, Johnson did not become President until he took the oath of office. If the first oath was fine, why a do over?
Paul Klein
Rupert Murdoch at his grimiest. He is one hell of a bitter, old man.
Its crazy to say that hes not the president because a couple of words were messed up...leave it to the media to ruin a great historic day by harping on the negative
Is it crazy? Someone must have thought about the legalities of the slip up, otherwise why the do over?
First off, I need to point out the fact that it wasn't Barack Obama who 'messed up' the oath, but it was Chief Justice John Roberts who fumbled and said the words in the wrong order. Secondly I'd like to add that the people at Fox News are haters.
Doesn't matter who slipped up, it happened. And the question hasn't been answered, If there was no problem with the oath, Why the do over? Haters? Why haters? Because their view or slant is different than yours? That makes them haters?
Paul Klein
He tripped over his words...ok he's human.It's not going to take the presidency away from him. People need to remember he is human. As far as the oath do over, I think it was to keep those who feel it was not done properly quiet. It was spoken wrong, repeated to fix it and now no one can really say much about it.
I honestly think that they were playing the role of watchdog on behalf of the citizens. Had they not fixed the screw up there would have been some people who actual thought that he wasnt president because he didnt say exactly what the law said.
It's not question of anyone being human or not, it is a legal question. Many criminals are released from the courts, not because they are innocent, but because someone made an honest mistake. It's called a technicality.
Paul Klein
Fox News was being thier conservative self in saying this. They are just bitter about the fact that we (finally) have a democrat in the white house, after 8 years of an awful republican reign. Fox News was acting biased, no one even considered that Obama wasn't actually the president due to a word mess up. More than half of the country voted for him and that is what makes him our new President.
Jillian Wilson
Or were the other networks giving Obama a pass? Maybe the other networks were the ones being biased.
Paul Klein
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