Why do people keep claiming that the president's oath is to protect the people??

[Grasswire2]

It's not.

"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."

He swears to preserve, protect and defend THE CONSTITUTION.

An important distinction.

[FBaggins]

1. He isn't swearing to protect a piece of paper

The document actually says things...

[mindem]

2. The first three words

We the people

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Because this is what it says:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

[Boogiemack]

5. Here's what it should now say today to make it more relevant:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ALL ITS CITIZENS, do ordain and REVISE this Constitution for the United States of America.

[CaptYossarian]

6. Each concept in that paragraph has been shredded.

And he wants another go at it.

[Mike 03]

4. "..people keep claiming,,,"

What I hear is people saying that the president should protect the American people, but they know that his oath is to uphold the Constitution.

They are appealing to his humanity. And there obviously isn't any.

[Grasswire2]

9. I don't hear anyone make that distinction.

I hear/see lots of complaining that his PRIMARY DUTY is to protect the American people (from pandemic, from whatever).

Even people who are scholars of the law and of history say it/write it for public consumption.

[dawg day]

7. Doesn't matter-- Trump does NONE of those.

Ask his wives how well he keeps his vows.

[gratuitous]

8. I noticed this idea really take root during Bush the Stupider's reign

Any questionable or shady behavior was excused because W was protecting the American people, whether it was by starting wars, torturing prisoners, or spying on citizens. I practically yelled myself hoarse saying that the President's oath of office isn't to protect the American people, but to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Because without the Constitution, there is no United States of America.

[Grasswire2]

10. exactly nt

[Wounded Bear]

11. Actually, they're saying it his job, not his oath...

but you're kind of right.

He's failing at both.