Rec this thread if you agree ROBERTS SHOULD APOLOGIZE to Obama and the American People

[Julius Civitatus]

Most media channels I'm checking (CNN, MSNBC, ABC) are calling the mess that Justice Roberts made with the Oath of Office:

- He removed parts of it
- Changed a few words
- Altered the cadence and pauses

Although it threw off Obama at first, he was quick enough to add to the Oath those parts that Roberts (intentionally or not) removed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28745226

"Roberts, who used no notes, stumbled at one point, appearing to forget the opening words. Obama, a former constitutional law professor, made sure to insert the crucial phrase “that I will faithfully execute the office of president to the United States.”

Obama is one smart cookie. He knew the oath by heart, and added the parts Roberts omitted. :)

Nevertheless, JUSTICE ROBERTS SHOULD APOLOGIZE TO THE OBAMAS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FOR THIS EMBARRASSING AND UNNECESSARY FLUB.

:patriot:

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Nope. The only one he embarrassed was himself. Obama was perfect.

[NJmaverick]

44. He made a fool of himself to a world wide audiance

probably one of the most watched events in human history.

[Myrina]

99. Obama looked at him like "Son, ya fucked that up ... and ...

... I'm not gonna repeat that cause it's not right. Why don't you stop by my Office sometime and I'll tutor you on some Constitutional Law?"


:rofl:

[live love laugh]

148. HE APOLOGIZED according to Diane Sawyer. FYI nt

[calimary]

167. Diane Sawyer isn't the one who deserves the apology. ALL OF AMERICA does.

This dim bulb is our Chief Justice? The MOST historic presidential inauguration that he will ever see, much less preside over, in his lifetime, and he can't make time to review the words? What are there - 35 words? Asshole couldn't even keep that straight? What - he was too good to take a few moments to rehearse, maybe in front of the bathroom mirror while he was shaving, even just THIS MORNING???? He couldn't have brought them on a 3x5 card or something? RUINED the soundbite - you'll notice that they edit out the body of it in the file footage - all we get is "I Barack Hussein Obama do solemnly swear..." then an edit, then they pick up on the end of it. Just ruined the record for history. Pathetic stupid lazy ass - a public embarrassment. roberts should be ASHAMED of himself. There's Just. NO. Excuse. What a flake. WHAT A MORON!!! WHAT A MORAN!!! WHAT A MAROON!!! ALL OF THE ABOVE. That was a frickin' DISGRACE. What does that say of this lightweight's decisions on the High Bench? What a flake! World-class idiot. Such an airhead he belongs in the same wind tunnel with dana perino. Cottage cheese he has between his ears. If THAT!

Good God...

But then again, just remember who picked him.

I hope he kicks himself forever more. May he NEVER live that down. That's YOUR legacy, dumb-fuck!

Our chief justice is an absolute embarrassment. Just like the guy who forced him on all the rest of us.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

169. Obama proved how gracious he was

and he's in a position of power, he can be generous to others.

Im very proud of our president.

[elocs]

2. I agree, but threads should get Recs based on their merit and not because they are requested. n/t

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

3. Oh Get A Fuckin Grip.

[cui bono]

10. For once I agree with you.

That is exactly what I was going to post.

What is wrong with all of you getting worked up over this? Geez. There are real issues to deal with, stop making our side look foolish and insane.

[PatrynXX]

61. Ronald Weasley?

Maybe he's nervous in front of a large crowd. I don't think I'm holding that against him.

In the middle of Book 5 and can imagine what ron practiced with and what the result was in front of a large crowd. :P

(only people who read this book know what I'm referring to) That woulda been interesting if it was actually in the movie. :P

[rpannier]

100. Agreed

I guess no one here has ever messed up in front of a crowd.

I wonder what it must be like to be perfect

[MadMaddie]

106. This is a true fact , we all mess up

However; is there another instance where this has ever happened?

This is the first time Roberts has done this, he is the head of the Supreme Court - it is expected that he would have practiced this over and over until he knew it backwards and forwards.

Accepting mediocrity and less is what we have had for the last 8 years....

There are responsiblilties that come with positions such as the President, Lead Justice of the Supreme Court, DOJ etc. When people put themselves in those roles they know they are required to perform.

If Roberts couldn't spend the time to get this right, what does he do when cases are presented to him in the Supreme Court? Makes one wonder...just sayin..

[Romis]

197. agreed again

[RubyDuby in GA]

203. It's one thing to mess up when you're giving a speech at the Rotary Club

but its a whole other kettle of fish when you are the FUCKING CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF OFFICE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!!

All his little stunt did yesterday was prove that he is an arrogant asshat who thought he was better than his predecessors and everyone there. You are right. No one is perfect, but he most certainly thought he was and he screwed the whole thing up.

[NBachers]

186. I definitely would've fucked it up worse than that

It's become an important asterisk in a wonderful day of images and history that will stay with me forever. I'm not that worked up over it. It happened, it happened, it's recorded in history. That's all I got to say.

But if anyone tells me to Move On and Put the Past Behind Us with Bush, I got another viewpoint on that one

[efhmc]

198. Agreed.

[Posteritatis]

11. Indeed (nt)

[girl gone mad]

37. When you're right, you're right. n/t

[Deja Q]

65. For once I disagree.

Trying to trip another man up is bad enough.

What I should do is watch the whole thing for veracity, but I am not surprised someone would try to pull such a low stunt.

[stillcool]

93. oh my...I agree with you!!!

[rpannier]

101. Agreed

Must be nice to be perfect

[Venceremos]

179. Wholeheartedly agree

this is so incredibly petty it's an embarrassment.

[Fedja]

183. /sign

Can't believe this is any more of an issue as what they had for 2nd course at the luncheon.

[clydefrand]

4. Obama will be criticized for not memorizing it,

because many people will not be aware that it was Roberts that made the error.

[Julius Civitatus]

6. Exactly! - That's why this is very important.

People need to understand it wasn't Obama stumbling, but Roberts altering the script on his own.

[Life Long Dem]

30. I can think of some important matters as well... and sorry this isn't one of the priorities.

Obama losing his grace by Roberts. Oh my!

[ShadesOfGrey]

39. Agree! K&R

[ShadesOfGrey]

40. dupe nt

[Alameda]

82. I agree, Roberts should publicly apologize and take the blame.

[Midlodemocrat]

7. Oh, I don't know about that. It was pretty obvious whose mistake it was.

Obama was very patient, waiting for Roberts to correct himself.

And, contrary to what half of DU thinks, I think Roberts just screwed up. I do not think he did it on purpose.

[mogster]

38. Exactly, he handled it

like a president, elegantly and without flinching. He just grows and grows, this man. And very good speech indeed.

[NJCher]

117. lack of preparation

He just didn't care enough to read it over a few times, practice it.

Just not important enough.



Cher

[JI7]

78. if Obama didn't know it he wouldn't have noticed Robert's error and just repeated

it instead.

[pnwmom]

81. I thought it was clear that Obama did memorize it. And he looked at Roberts

the way he did, waiting for him to correct himself.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

170. I think many are aware that Roberts erred and Obama even tried to help him out

Obama paused when Roberts left out a phrase, and then Roberts still erred
in his second effort.

Obama is president. He made the moment even better by extending his kindness.

He did the harder thing.

[L. Coyote]

171. Wrong! Obama had it right by memory! Roberts threw the monkey wrench, and it FAILED!

Nice try though. You have to give him political credit for trying to fuck up an incoming Dem in true Republican asshat style!
Remember, these characters overthrow the government when they have a chance!
He must be accustomed to working with less intelligent politicos! :rofl:

On editing typo: I wore out this keyboard on Bush Junta scandals here on DU!

[csziggy]

5. No, he will be forever ridiculed for not being able to prompt the new President correctly

This will be in the history books FOREVER. No apology will remove this embarrassment from his personal history.

Makes my heart warm. :evilgrin:

[L. Coyote]

175. He will be remembered as a partisan who tried to fuck up the most recorded moment n history.

[cherokeeprogressive]

204. Only by true partisans.

[kenny blankenship]

8. If he has any respect for the opinion of the people he will.

But frankly I don't really want it. I don't want to have to pretend to be on good terms with that man.

I'm one of many who never accepted the legitimacy of the Bush Presidency after 2000, and just as I would never accept that a thief in my house has a right to be there and use my stuff once he's managed to break in, I will never accept the legitimacy of Bush's re-election, his acts, and his appointments. Traitors don't get to make the law. Traitors don't get to leave their mark.

I'd rather that usurpers and criminals embrace their roles as public enemies with an honest contempt for the society they prey on, without pretense to respectability or legitimacy. That way everyone can see them for what they are.

[w4rma]

113. I am in full agreement with you, kenny blankenship. (nt)

[mtnsnake]

9. I don't recommend threads that ask for recs, but yes, he should apologize publicly

[kestrel91316]

12. What Roberts did was shameful and embarrassing.

Let him live with the shame, and let history note that he never apologized. Works better for us if he never does.

[MadBadger]

13. My lip reading skills tell me that Roberts may have said the words "My fault" when talking to Obama

at lunch.

[BrklynLiberal]

22. I saw that too....

[October]

118. Perhaps. Personally, I don't think that was enough.

I was appalled with the way he administered the Oath of Office. Ridiculous.

[tblue37]

14. It is very easy to get nervous and make mistakes when everyone in the world

is watching you perform an important act.

I detest Roberts, but I can't get angry at someone for making a mistake under pressure. I know I have made mistakes in my life.

Actions caused by evil intent (like the entire last 8 years of criminal acts by CheneyBushCo) are the ones that make me angry. I don't get upset at innocent mistakes, even if I fiercely disapprove of the people who commit them.

[Qutzupalotl]

18. Well said.

I don't expect a quick public apology from Roberts, but a private one to Obama (which may have already happened at lunch). If Roberts gives any interviews, he'll take the blame publicly at that time. He does have a decent streak, unlike the one who appointed him.

[Deja Q]

68. A fair assertion.

And not having seen it, and even then how would we know for a fact, I can't go either way ((I think I put in the obvious disclaimers in my previous responses, but don't want to get riled in a knee-jerk reaction))


I'm hoping it was just an innocent mistake. That can happen. My gut tells me otherwise, but hell, I see no reason to fully trust it even if I want to.

[bagrman]

105. Case of nerves. Lets move on.

[Merlot]

15. Demanding apologies is so republican!

Really, that's all I heard for the last 8 years was repubs self-righteously demanding apologies. Though after the 2006 election, I noticed less of that. Remember when they had both house and senate? Every other week, someone demanded an apology for an infringement.

It's between PRESIDENT Obama and roberts on how to handle it. If roberts owes up to it being his mistake, I'm ok with that.

[Pyrzqxgl]

210. Well I'm not! I think Roberts & all the other Republicans on the court should have to resign.

[Dreamer Tatum]

16. Seriously, get a life

People make mistakes. Obama is President. Let the ink dry before you start squawking about meaningless bullshit.

[mtnsnake]

20. "meaningless bullshit"?

:wtf:

[Dreamer Tatum]

27. It means nothing.

It was a flub. It's over - we have President Obama now.

[Julius Civitatus]

21. Excuse me....

... but YOU get a fucking life.

That was uncalled for. Agree or disagree, but don't be a jerk.

[Dreamer Tatum]

23. Disagree, and invite you to enjoy the festivities

how's that?

[liam_laddie]

66. JC, I agree with you completely...

Roberts was allegedly working without a net (no cue card) and he fucked up, bigtime! The Rushes of the world will use this screw-up to fault Obama for the error, not their Federalist Society pin-up boy Roberts. It IS a serious matter, because of the way it will be used by the rabid right. Those on here who don't "get it" are deaf and blind to the eternal evil of the radical right!
Never, NEVER let up on criticizing them! Beat 'em up always!

[NBachers]

187. Media's correctly putting it on Roberts

I've been glued to the TV since I got home, and I've seen two or three mentions of it on broadcast networks; they all put it on Roberts and credit the save to Obama.

Champaigne wearing off - must get to bed . . .

[BlancheSplanchnik]

200. ahhh, thank god!

I think I would only be bent out of shape over this if it were twisted by the media echo chamber. Thank you for reporting! (I was at work--missed everything)

[Edgewater_Joe]

17. Are Freepers Claiming Obama's NOT President Because of the Oath?

If not, wait for it. They will ...

[Julius Civitatus]

25. Yes, they are. Check these threads

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8115565

[Blue_Roses]

206. who cares...they're idiots...

that is a fact.

[Thrill]

19. He said to Obama "My Fault"

[nini]

24. no.. he messed up.. but so what? It's all good

quit making issues where they don't belong.

Damn, I'm glad Obama has more tact and understanding than some people here. :eyes:

[A-Schwarzenegger]

26. Eh. I think it simply underscored Obama's grace.

[kwenu]

I believe he did say it was "My fault" to Obama when they met at the luncheon.

They replayed the oath on ABC with commentary. I feel better about it after seeing it again after my own nerves got better.

[Julius Civitatus]

31. Hope you are right

If that's true, it should be broadcast all over. I don't want the Freepers and rethugs to blame Obama, or use this as an excuse to start attacking Obama's competence or legitimacy.

They have already started!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8115565

[A-Schwarzenegger]

33. Freepers pulling out their hair again?---Hilarious.

Who cares? Relax, breathe, enjoy.

[Phx_Dem]

28. Are you kidding me??? Absolutely not!

His nerves got the best of him. Understandable and not a big deal.

As Andrew Sullivan recalled, it is remeniscent of Princess Diana flubbing Charles' name during their wedding. Should she have apologized to the country for messing up his name? Of course, not. Much ado about nothing.

[renate]

29. why on earth didn't he use notes?

That was hella dumb.

I have to admit, I assumed that the mistake was Obama's (because which of them had more right to be nervous, and what kind of moron of a Chief Justice wouldn't use notes?). I don't know whether I'm in the majority in making that assumption, but I'm sure I'm not the only one. And it was Roberts' ego--I guess that's what it was, unless his notes blew away or something--that caused the mucking up of a moment that hundreds of millions of people have been looking forward to for years.

I don't think a big formal "mea culpa" apology is necessary, but he should issue a statement that it was his bad and not Obama's.

[Motown_Johnny]

32. one more Bush appointee who can't do anything right.....

[Terran]

34. No.. It's not that big a deal.

Except it made Roberts look stupid, which is fine with me.

[TwilightGardener]

35. Oh Jesus H, you've got to be kidding. He got nervous and flubbed a little. He's human.

No manufactured outrage necessary.

[specimenfred1984]

41. More like sub-human scum who couldn't help himself and did it on purpose

He's another conflicted repuke who hates everything America stands for but has to publically pretend he doesn't. Your excuses for a repuke are lame.

[mtnsnake]

43. Amen to what you said

I can't believe how many people are making excuses for this disgusting repuke.

[Deja Q]

67. Seconded.

Deliberately tripping up others is an act that should be weeded out of students by the time elementary school ends. What was done is the antithesis of civilized behavior. If it's true it was an attempted set-up and not a genuine mistake. Given the state of racism in this country, never mind the political party affiliation difference, the inference does point to the incident being more a set-up and not a simple accident.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

173. or... he may be grateful to the President for not embarrassing HIM

His O-ness, our very beloved President, will probably even do something special
for Roberts just to show that there are no hard feelings.

Roberts will have no choice but to have a hell of alot of respect for our
wonderful President.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

213. Your explaination that Roberts did this on purpose

because he was conspiring against Obama is actually pretty funny.

[liberalhistorian]

116. Agreed, even the most memorized lines can

be forgotten in a moment of nerves, especially when you know you're live before a worldwide audience. However, the freeps are really making a huge deal of it, as shown by the threads someone just linked to above, and THAT is going to be the major problem with it. Blaming Obama, claiming he left out certain parts and changed others on purpose, and that he's not the president because of it. Yes, yes, I know, it's idiocy on the same level as the whole birth certificate nonsense. However, it can still be used against him.

I think the problem is that after eight years of this sneaky underhanded dirty-tricks bullshit, we've all gotten too cynical of too much and sometimes get our knickers in a knot over what are just simple mistakes.

[Usrename]

36. He should have apologized to him at the time.

It's what a person would do if they weren't standing in front of 3 million people with the whole world watching.

I hope he gets a lot of bad press over it.

[The Wielding Truth]

154. An oath must be repeated as stated. Roberts should have restarted.

[musicblind]

42. I agree

It wouldn't be a big deal to apologize but it would help smooth a lot of people over. He did make an important mistake on a very important day in history.

I mean, accidents happen and I don't think he did it on purpose. But an apology would help sooth a lot of hurt feelings.

[ddeclue]

45. WILL EVERYBODY PLEASE STOP BEGGING OTHERS FOR REC's?

-if you want a LEGITIMATE sense of how DU feels on an issue that's why we have POLLS. This REC BEGGING stuff gives a skewed view since nobody gets to vote no and it clutters up the greatest list with this nonsense instead of interesting reading.

As for Roberts - NO it doesn't warrant an apology unless you can show that he intentionally flubbed it.

I've spoken a few times at county commission meetings, school board meetings, victory parties for candidates and to campaign events and party events and even when it is only a few hundred people it can be very nerve wracking and I actually usually am fairly comfortable with public speaking relative to a lot of people (at least in groups smaller than 100).

Imagine having to speak live in front of TWO MILLION people and hundreds of millions on TV around the world. Give the guy the benefit of the doubt.

Obama is President - the day is ours.

[Moochy]

151. Rec Begging

is like Panhandling for consensus. The lowest form of approval. :)

Hey DU, look over there!! It's a shiny new controversy, over there at the top of GD : P !!!!

[Left Is Write]

46. I will admit to wondering if Roberts did that on purpose.

[treestar]

47. Should make him do it over again

It doesn't matter, but for form's sake, make the effer do it again!

Make him swear Obama in every morning for the next four years!

[EraOfResponsibility]

73. damn right! That's exactly what I said. I feel like Obama isn't really president

cuz Roberts fucked up the Oath

[benld74]

48. THIS IS BABY SHIT PEOPLE! The kind of stuff that means NOTHING!

[lenegal]

49. It was a mistake. That's all. We have more important things to do

nt

[BanTheGOP]

50. In 2010, we get our 2/3's senate majority...

...and we can just impeach the son of a bitck, along with Thomas, Alito, and Scalia.

NOTE: It takes a majority House, and 2/3 Senate vote, to impeach and remove from SCOTUS, for ANY reason.

[ddeclue]

58. You really DO have to be able to justify it in a trial

it would set such a horrible precedent to do such a thing if no laws have been broken.

BUSH and CHENEY should have been impeached - it is clear they have both broken the law. I've never seen anything to convince me of this about CJ Roberts.

Imagine if the tables were turned. Would you want Republicans impeaching and removing liberal Democrats off the bench? This was a constant cry from the RW during the Civil Rights era.

Doug D.

[asksam]

69. Amen!

I think we need to get Roberts, Alito, Scalia and Thomas out of there by any legal means whatsoever. If we don't, they're going to be messing up the country for the next thirty years.

[BanTheGOP]

70. This is major league hardball, folks...

...not those pansy ass slow pitch softball leagues that most people are used to.

We MUST play by every legal rule possible. In addition, we MUST invoke constitutional privilege if it helps us get rid of the very individuals who shred and destroy the very constitution they rule on.

[ElboRuum]

51. Not at all possible it was a mistake?

After 8 years of mistake after mistake after mistake after not giving a shit after mistake punctuated by the occasional evil machination after mistake...

...is it really so hard to believe that ROBERTS was not prepared? And it showed? So he made a mistake?

[Cha]

52. I do because fauxsn00ze is trying to change

history.

[Cha]

53. I just heard my local CBS news and they said

Roberts told Obama "it was his fault".

[bigwillq]

54. I think it was a genuine mistake.

But Roberts should've been much, much more prepared.

[Lucky 13]

55. I believe this is one of those "childish" things Obama told us to get over...

He looks like a jackass and I'm SURE must be quite embarrassed. And rightfully so.

[alwysdrunk]

56. He should and I think that he will

He has to be embarrassed. What a time to flub a line....

[LoZoccolo]

57. Kick it!

:kick:

[Bette Noir]

59. I agree.

He flubbed his lines.

[ellie]

60. Roberts is a fucking dummy

and showed what an incompetent twat waffle he really is.

[lyonn]

71. Isn't he the Justice that had a seizure of some sort

while on vacation? This could be the answer.... ok, more like arrogance that he didn't have notes. Even a preacher has notes during the basic wedding vows. My gawd, he was only taking the oath from an historical president? Not as bad as warren. As I mentioned somewhere else, warren was like a large wart of a beautiful woman's face. Blemished a beautiful occasion.

[Canuckistanian]

115. Yes, we didn't hear much about that, did we?

Should we be concerned that the Chief Justice of the USSC has seizures?

What if he has one just before a major decision is about to be announced?

I think he should step down for the good of the country.

[jeff30997]

164. Yeah he should follow Cheney's example.

He had several heart attacks and today he stepped down for the good of the country.

[Flying Dream Blues]

62. It's my opinion that he should want and be given the opportunity to apologize

but I think it's beneath us to make an issue of what we should assume was an innocent mistake. What Would Barack Do (WWBD)?
:patriot:

[Richardo]

63. I'm sick of the public apologies - they mean nothing

Who gives a crap?

[Serge A Storms]

64. what a fuckwhit even I cought it

something didn't sound right and I was trying to put it together

Barack handled it well

[NorthCarolina]

72. Not good enough..

Roberts should resign! (I can dream can't I?)

[Redstone]

74. Oh, JUST give it a fucking rest, would you?

Redstone

[JI7]

75. he used notes ????????? and how old is John Paul Stevens ?

who was able to give the oath to Biden perfectly ?

did Roberts have to do it ? it would have been nice for Stevens to do it for Obama also.

i thought the oath between Stevens and Biden was more heartfelt.

Roberts just fucked up the most important moment of the inauguration.

[senseandsensibility]

76. This is the first time I've had a chance to hear any explanation

of what happened. I heard it live, but then had to go right back to work. Thanks for clearing it up. I didn't know what was going, and I'll bet many others didn't either.

[road2000]

77. I'd be perfectly willing to write it off as a mistake.

However, I don't believe I've seen this point brought up: If you watch the tape, notice Roberts's tone when he asks Obama if he's ready to be sworn in. It's sharp and (I thought) borderline nasty. It certainly jolted me a bit in our crowded conference room where everyone was quiet and mesmerized.

[JI7]

79. he also seemed to be rushing it

Roberts is either an idiot for not being able to get it right or an asshole for messing it up on purpose.

[asksam]

80. Latter n/t

[disndat]

89. I just heard yesterday

from some radio commentator that Roberts isn't the brightest spoon in the drawer. A 'gift' dear George left us poss for the next 30 years. I also heard that Roberts wouldn't use notes but wanted to do the oath from memory. Then Roberts flubbed it. How dopey is that? I doubt if Roberts did it deliberately. He's not smart enough to be devious.

[JI7]

92. and the moron wants a pay raise

aren't republicans always complaining about quotas. yet they seem to want quotas for unqualified morons for positions like supreme court and President.

[tritsofme]

83. To err is human.

This was one of the biggest days of his life as well, I'm sure he was very nervous.

[treestar]

96. True, but it's not likely for things like this

And easy, to boot. So it shows a certain sloppiness. Us ordinary mortals are expected not to show that in order to get a job, for example. This privileged idiot - that doesn't apply to him.

[tritsofme]

98. I can only imagine no one is more embarrassed than he is.

With his confirmation hearings behind him, this was probably the largest public event he will ever play a part in.

[road2000]

165. Let's hope it's the last,

after his impeachment and conviction. Maybe that was his little contribution since he wasn't there to participate in Bush v. Gore.

[tritsofme]

178. What in the world would he be impeached for?

Being appointed by George Bush isn't a crime.

[road2000]

182. I'm sure he'll find something, when he's been there a while. n/t

[mascarax]

84. Roberts isn't paid enough to memorize!

I mean, hasn't he been complaining lately about the lack of salary increase for Supreme Court Justices?

Maybe he's making a point...pay me more, and then I'll get it right!

(am watching Obama's speech now...just feel this overall sense of relief that Dubya is out and Obama in)

[donheld]

85. No he should just resign and leave the country!

People tell me I want too much :D

[lonestarnot]

87. Would suit me just fine!

:P

[invictus]

86. K&R

[Catchawave]

88. He did apologize

Can we move on ?

[relayerbob]

142. He sure did, right away

Be nice if people would fact-check before making rash statements. Some of the comments on this thread were as outrageous as the ones on FR and the PUMA sites saying that Obama did it on purpose so he could avoid following the oath. People get nervous and make mistakes. Sheesh

[RoccoR5955]

90. TRAITOR Roberts should step down...

...because he OBVIOUSLY has not memorized the document HE is supposed to uphold. That would be the US Constitution.

[juajen]

91. We should handle it as Obama handled it, with aplomb. NT

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

94. Oh My God, 84 People So Far Have Recommended This Ridiculous Notion?

Oy vey.

[ElboRuum]

224. I hope its more like...

84 people rec'd it just to make sure people see it. The comments have almost been entirely negative to the OP.

[Politicalboi]

95. I was so pissed when that happened

I thought WTF are you doing? Maybe not apologize but take the blame for getting it wrong if this does sprout legs.

[lynne]

97. Oh, for crying out loud . . . NO.

He got nervous and fumbled. In front of all those camera's and people, I would have done the same. You know, it won't hurt to have a little understanding and empathy towards the old guy! No apology necessary IMO.

[rpannier]

102. Must be nice to be perfect

Because this is probably not the first time it has happened

It's just something people didn't feel any need to get worked up over -- Until now

As to freepers trying to spin this into saying he's not president because of it -- Nobody but a very small handful of crazies agree with it.

Let em whine.
Let's enjoy the new president

[Grateful for Hope]

103. I heard he took responsibility after the fact.

I think this is now a non-issue.

[MadMaddie]

104. Roberts looked and acted like another * nominee

Careless, thoughtless and unprofessional. He did it in front of the world......and he can't take it back!

[Sebastian Doyle]

107. Roberts should be fired for incompetence.

The guy had only been a judge since 2002 and was only slightly more qualified than Harriet Myers.

And John.... take Fat Tony and Clarence the Clown with you!

[noiretextatique]

108. i am a poet

i spoke at both my father's and my sister's funerals, and i didn't misspeak or flub and i was under tremendous emotional pressure. my poet memory muscles kicked in and i gave my dad and my sister the tribute they deserved. if i were giving that oath, i'd make damn sure i got it right.
maybe roberts' isn't used to speaking publically :shrug:

[McCamy Taylor]

109. Is Roberts one of those BIBLE COLLEGE lawyers Bush liked so much?

His IQ must be about 80. He looked dumb as a bag of bricks up there.

[fadedrose]

110. Haven't read any of the other replies to this, but I think that

President Obama would not approve of the idea. It probably rolled off his beautiful back and we should let it do the same on our not so beautiful backs...

Nice of you to feel protective of him though...

[Mid_FL_voter]

111. Roberts showed his "ass-i-tude" today.

Roberts is a very smart man. There is no way he didn't realize what he was doing. The Oath is short. What a jerk.

[Onlooker]

112. He did apologize, and mistakes have been made before

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iJKZrJDhy6g52PZNb7phfFmsQVow

In Obama's first luncheon as president, the affable Roberts appeared to apologize, prompting laughter and a handshake from Obama.

...

Jeffrey Rosen, a US constitutional law expert and professor at George Washington University in Washington, said stumbling over the oath has "no impact. News flash: He's president."

Rosen pointed to the 20th amendment of the US Constitution, which provides that the president and vice president's term begins at noon on January 20th.

"Lots of people have flubbed the oath, perhaps most memorably Chief Justice (William Howard) Taft, who sort of riffed and then made up his own" upon swearing in then-president Herbert Hoover, said Rosen.

Where the oath calls for the president to pledge to "preserve, protect, and defend" the constitution, Taft said "preserve, maintain and defend" -- injecting an entirely new word, while Roberts merely got the order wrong.jit-lc

[w4rma]

114. I find it interesting that some people accept mistakes from powerful people but get bent out of

shape when the same mistakes are made by a less powerful person. I would think it should be reversed.

[BlooInBloo]

125. Dude - get over yourself. People flub lines all the time at public events. It happens.

[w4rma]

147. You know if it were a normal, regular speech. I would agree. But those 35 words aren't. (nt)

[treestar]

188. Exactly. I'd like to work for some of these people who are so willing to

overlook it as a mistake. A major part of your job and simple to boot and you screw it up, and the boss says well, to err is human. We should all have bosses like that!

I wonder how many errors he makes deciding the law - it's a good thing he's got 8 colleagues to help with that!

Typical Chimp appointee. helluva job, Roberts.

[akbacchus_BC]

119. It is not necessary for Justice Roberts to apologize. To err is human

to forgive is divine. Perhaps the Justice forgot the oath, who knows?

Our President knew his oath and he was on the ball. Kudos to him.

If we nitpick about everything, the major policies will not get done. I know you mean well and so do I.

Peace and America is back as we know her! Ready to lead!

[depakid]

120. He's far right ideologue- and the Dems jumped up and confirmed him

So basically, this is what we ought to expect to get.

[akbacchus_BC]

122. Please remember that Obama (the Senator) did not vote for him n/t

[depakid]

131. No one calling themselves a Democrat should have voted for him

-nor his ethically challenged sidekick Alito.

[BlooInBloo]

121. Um, he DID apologize. Move on - it wasn't that big of a deal.

EDIT: I'm developing a disturbing habit of randomly dropping letters from words.

[akbacchus_BC]

124. Seconded, this nitpicking on here is mind boggling!

[MasonJar]

123. I just hard that he did apologize (on Rachel Maddow.)

[ImOnlySleeping]

126. Must be

Must be a slow news day...

[Marie26]

127. I so think he did it on purpose.

I find it hard to believe that a Supreme Court justice couldn't memorize 30 words. The man was radiating hostility the whole time. He didn't smile, & asked Obama if he was ready somewhat snidely. And he messed up Obama from the very beginning - He said the first phrase: "I, Barack Hussein Obama," & then paused as if Obama should now repeat it. Obama drew a breath, but before he could start to speak, Roberts started talking again. He was trying to throw Obama off-balance the whole time, one final petty swipe from the Bush Administration. (I know, I know, let it go...) Anyway, I'm glad the news pointed out that it wasn't Obama's fault!

[akbacchus_BC]

128. I ask to differ. Roberts did no do it on purpose. He is fairly new and

thank goodness the PE Elect knew the oath. Kudos to President Obama!

[Marie26]

129. You are more charitable than I.

And I'm sure Obama is as well. Congratulations to President Obama, and to all long-suffering DU'ers!

[akbacchus_BC]

133. That is what the President has been saying all along. Stop the nitpicking

and let's move on. There are bigger issues to deal with. Do not get me wrong, I respect how you feel and I was open mouthed when Roberts said the wrong words but we all should be happy that our President knew the right words.

We are all on the same side!

[Marie26]

136. Yay for unity!

But I think DU exists for petty rants like this, so people can get it off their chests & get over it. I was certainly glad to see others noticed Robert's little "flub." But... moving on! I'm over it! Obama's the President! Bush is gone! Let's party! :party:

[akbacchus_BC]

138. Marie, party time. Who cares that Roberts mixed the oath up, our guy

knew it and he paused and repeated the real oath. Let's not crucify the person who erred. I am all for moving on. The future is bright and am on cloud nine!

[EmeraldCityGrl]

130. The more I watch the footage the angrier I am.

I went to Youtube and watched the swearing in ceremony of a few other presidents, I'm convinced this was a deliberate attempt
to mess President Obama up. At the very end, Roberts asks, "so help you God?" In the other ceremonies it's said as a statement.

He' s a creep.

[Marie26]

132. As if skeptical & disbelieving.

It made me mad too. I'm just a hater, I guess.

[akbacchus_BC]

137. Emerald, it was not a conspiracy theory. Roberts just messed up..

but can't you get over it since our President knew the oath. Guess who came out the better person?

Nitpicking is over, bigger issues need to be addressed.

Our President said that he heard more slurs on the football field, any wonder why he had to get protection when he announced that he would be running for the Presidency?

Let's work together!

[EmeraldCityGrl]

139. oh please, I don't bitch very often...

save the lecture.

[akbacchus_BC]

143. Sorry, it was not my intention to lecture. Please carry on. You sure

know who to cut down discussion!

Power to you!

[Hosnon]

134. Move along, Obama is above this. nt.

[Carolina]

135. The oath is such a powerful

statement, a simple but especially meaningful 35-word pledge that is in the Constitution for heaven's sake. And the Chief Justice can't get it right!

I remember how moved I was watching Chief Justice Earl Warren administer the oath to John F. Kennedy in 1960. The I, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States... was as moving as JFK's inaugural address.

Today, I waited anxiously to hear: I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States...

That Roberts screwed it up was offensive and unforgivable. This was a momentous, and truly historical moment recorded for history, for the ages, and Roberts fucking BLEW IT!

No apology needed. He just needs to go the away.

[akbacchus_BC]

140. Carolina, maybe he was confused facing his opponent but I wish to

assure you that he did not mean to trip up our President. Let's get over this and get to work to make the Obama presidency the best ever!

Deal!

[w4rma]

149. Are you a mind reader, akbacchus_BC? How can you assure anyone of that? (nt)

[EmeraldCityGrl]

141. exactly!

[akbacchus_BC]

I can understand how you felt! I held a breath and thought ... No PE

Elect, you must know that oath and before I knew it, he repeated it. Can't we just revel in his historic win?

To hell with the Roberts and the naysayers, let's back our President up and help him to achieve the policies he wants for Americans and ultimately, the world.

Never meant to annoy you and if I did, am sorry.

I am so happy for you all. We want our own Obama here in Canada!

[EmeraldCityGrl]

150. no need for an apology:)

[calmblueocean]

145. I feel the same way. He doesn't need to apologize; no apology can change what happened.

This was one of the grandest moments in the history of our democracy, and his role in it was so brief. Just lead the President-Elect through 35 words. And he ruined that moment.

I don't want him to apologize, but I would love to know whether he understands the gravity of his fumble. It's as if someone tapped Abe Lincoln on the shoulder in the middle of the Gettysburg Address, belched as loud as he could, and ran off into the crowd.

[newtothegame]

144. I'm sure after seeing this DEMAND on DU, he'll get right on that apology. n/t

[tabatha]

146. Believe it or not, he has apologized.

[wial]

152. he should

resign. He humiliated the country and besides, he represents a discredited ideology that should have no place in American public life.

[jzodda]

153. no rec needed since he said sorry already

I am sure he said sorry many times over :D

[Rosa Luxemburg]

156. pity he had to pick Inauguration Day

[relayerbob]

155. We need an anti-rec button

to get crap like this off the rec list

[jeff30997]

161. Of course but...

Some peoples would abuse the anti-rec button therefore an anti-anti-rec button would be requested

and so on. :P

[mtnsnake]

192. Whose side are you on, M. 60-something posts?

So you approve of a Bush appointed neo-con Supreme Court Justice bumblefucking a few lines that even a 10-year old could remember? How nice of you to stick up for the wrong guy.

[Name removed]

157. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jeff30997]

160. Sooo...

How's that pizza, dumb ass ?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

162. I think this was meant for the haiku thread

[ClusterFreak]

158. Some people just can't stand prosperity.

Here's a hint....WE WON THE FUCKING ELECTION AND OUR GUY IS PRESIDENT.

Go have a beer and chill-the-fuck-lax.

[jeff30997]

159. chill-the-fuck-lax ?

Why do you hate the Los Angeles International Airport so much ? :P

[ClusterFreak]

223. Very punny indeed.

:silly:

[RagAss]

163. How do you fuck that up ????

[davidpdx]

166. Honestly

I'd rather see him step down. Not that it will happen.

[zogtheobvious]

168. No

There are real issues out there troubling this country. To take this on as an issue just makes us sound like the shrill concern trolls that have dominated the Right-Wing for the last eight years.

This affects nothing, and is, IMO, a non-issue.

[zulchzulu]

172. It showed Obama could handle pressure and that Roberts is a DUMBASS

I was there and it was really echoey, but I could tell Roberts fucked it up.

The man should simply resign.

[caseymoz]

174. Roberts had stage-fright. That's all.

He's not politician who is used to speaking in front of people, especially two million people, and next to a guy who looks cooler in front of 2 million people than anyone else could. Obama knew how nervous Roberts was, and pretty much helped him out. I'm certain Roberts has apologized and feels terrible. The oath of office is the most high-profile thing he'll ever do, and this definitely not a way he wants to be remembered.

[TooRaLoo]

176. I realize the Oath is something to be taken seriously,

but I think you're overreacting.

[L. Coyote]

177. Sorry, I boycott rec'ing all "Rec this thread if...." grovel threads.

[iconicgnom]

181. I'm proud to say that I've never rec'ed such a thread, myself. "pats back"

[TankLV]

180. The CRIMINAL Incompetance of the ILLEGAL bush* regime becomes aparent - again!

Rears it's ugly head for all to see...

They should demand his RESIGNATION for NOT BEING ABLE TO DO HIS JOB!

It's ONE FUCKING LINE for chrissake...

[Ken Burch]

184. K&R

What Roberts did was inexcusable. He'd never have fluffed the oath if he'd been swearing in McCain.

[1776Forever]

185. IMO Roberts does owe both President Obama and the citizens an apology.

But you have to remember he was a BUSH appointee. This was just not acceptable - no way around it! The man should have been more prepared and I would really be embarrassed if I were him!

Oath gives Justice Roberts and Obama some pauses
By Joan Biskupic, USA TODAY

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicial/2009-01-20-oath_N.htm

WASHINGTON — When Chief Justice John Roberts began the presidential oath, he asked President Obama, "Are you prepared to take the oath, Senator?" Obama said he was.

Yet it appeared Roberts wasn't quite set.

Roberts, who was administering the oath for the first time, had some trouble with the pauses — which allow time for the president to repeat the 35-word consitutional oath — and with the order of the phrasing.

As he began, Roberts paused slightly after saying, "I, Barack Hussein Obama."

Obama started to repeat his name, but then Roberts continued, speaking over Obama: " … do solemnly swear …"

Obama caught up with both phrases. Then the awkwardness continued.

Roberts, 53, said, "… that I will execute the Office of President to the United States faithfully."

Obama, 47, began to repeat the chief justice's words but then paused, apparently realizing they were not quite right. The proper phrase is: "… that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States … ."

Roberts, who then began to correct himself, did not appear to have the wording of the oath handy for reference. His immediate predecessor, Chief Justice William Rehnquist, used to practice the oath repeatedly before the event and would bring a card with him for extra measure. The card showed the words of the oath and indications for pauses.

Television commentators, such as CNN's Wolf Blitzer, highlighted Roberts' mistake and the Internet was awash in commentary about whether the confusion reflected tension between the two men. Obama, as a senator, had voted against Roberts' confirmation for chief justice in 2005. In a posting on the Volokh Conspiracy blog, run by University of California, Los Angeles, law professor Eugene Volokh, University of Minnesota law professor Dale Carpenter referred to the "most awkward oath of office in decades" and questioned whether it showed "an unusually uneasy relationship."

To which George Washington University law professor Orin Kerr responded, "Sometimes a flubbed line is just a flubbed line."

Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said Roberts was not available to comment.

At a luncheon for the new president and other dignitaries at the Capitol after the Inauguration, Obama cheerfully greeted the justices in attendance. When he saw Roberts, he gave him a friendly slap on the back.

[mmarsh]

189. He made a mistake thats all. Demanding apologies for a tiny mistake

is something I'd expect Republicans to do. Obama even smiled and laughed. Lets not act like FOX NEWS shall we?

[mtnsnake]

193. "tiny mistake"

unbelievable

[1776Forever]

196. This is not like someone in a local pub forgetting the words to a song....

This is the Chief Justice of Supreme Court of the United States! And I sure as Hell am not Fox News!

Chief Justice of the United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Chief Justice of the United States is the head of the judicial branch of the government of the United States, and presides over the U.S. Supreme Court. The highest judicial officer in the country, the Chief Justice leads the business of the Supreme Court and presides over the Senate during impeachment trials of the President. In modern tradition, the Chief Justice also has the duty of administering the oath of office to the President.

The current chief justice is John G. Roberts, Jr., who was nominated by President George W. Bush and took office on September 29, 2005 upon his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

The salary of the Chief Justice is set by Congress, and it is slightly higher than that of the Associate Justices. As of 2008, it is $217,400 per year.

[pam4water]

190. Nah I think he should resign :)

[acmavm]

191. Anyone ever tell you not to sweat the small stuff? Save your

outrage for things that really matter.

[mtnsnake]

195. Small stuff? At such a crucial historical time, Roberts made Obama look awkward.

That's not small stuff, and it does matter. Did you watch the swearing in live? If you did, I can't understand how you'd call it small stuff.

[acmavm]

217. Because it IS small. A slip of the tongue is a slip of the tongue. If

a Supreme that you approved of had made the mistake, of course it would be just that, a mistake.

Obama is sitting in the Oval Office, isn't he?

[treestar]

194. Another little quibble - "Are you ready to take the oath, Senator?"

Does one get called Senator for life, even after resigning, retiring, or going on to civilian life?

[EraOfResponsibility]

199. Ugh, Roberts just fucked up the whole thing. I wish John Paul Stevens had done it

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

209. By saying that, he implied that Obama wasn't really President until he took the oath

and that he was still a (just) a Senator at that point. Why didn't he simply say, Are you ready ,sir?

I think that technically Obama WAS already President at that point because the oath was administered after noon.

As others have pointed out, it is sad that someone who in his hearings could quote chapter and verse from obscure decisions managed to goof up such a short phrase and slightly mar otherwise perfect proceedings. I think Roberts is probably greatly embarrassed as this will be one of those anecdotes that will pass into Presidential history.

I have to applaud all the networks for NOT playing the flubbed version later but cutting away in order to not diminish the moment.

[riverwalker]

201. Absolutely

He can't even administer a simple oath per protocol, while the whole world is watching.
What an asshole.

[pipi_k]

202. I'll tell you who I think needs to apologize...

Not Justice Roberts, who may have been nervous or not feeling well or whatever. I'm willing to cut him some slack. I probably would have messed up far worse than he did...


No, the people who need to apologize are the assholes who are (willfully and knowingly) going around claiming that Obama is "not really president". The Chris Wallace/Limbaugh/Hannity types who are aiding and abetting gross stupidity from the RW fruitcakes.

They're the ones who need to be called to task...taken out to the woodshed and switched until they can't sit for a week.

[mtnester]

205. Kind of completely explains his utter disregard for the Constitution

He needs to be removed. I know I know.

[hlthe2b]

207. I'm embarrassed by this thread... Roberts flubbed, he apologized

to Obama. Obama was gracious. Obama is the 44th President. End of story

[Broadslidin]

208. No apology....? Then consider his mis-reading to have been "Premeditated in the First Degree".

Without a Public Apology,
There is likely,
further evidence yet to be discovered....

His silence will confirm,
the Chief Justice's fondest desire to
appoint and anoint his personal choice for president.

[AngryOldDem]

211. I agree.

Obama caught the flub but unless you knew the oath yourself verbatim, it looked like he was the one who screwed up.

Roberts does need to offer some sort of good-faith apology. I suspect it was a bad case of nerves...I can excuse that. But still some sort of clarification is needed. No one will think any worse of the man if he does.

[Wapsie B]

212. No he embarrassed himself.

There's no way even a conservative would want to make himself look like a doofus in front of millions of people around the world.
Much bigger fish to fry. Time to get to work.

[plantwomyn]

214. Roberts is responsible for

interpreting the Constitution and understanding the entire history of Juris Prudence in the U.S. not to mention the Federalist Papers, common law .....If he cannot memorize and recite ONE SENTENCE, how can we trust him to make decisions about our lives and laws? We will be stuck with his decisions for years to come. Remember, HE CONTROLS SCOTUS. If this doesn't bother you it should. The oath is moot. His inability to recite one sentence from memory IS A BIG DEAL. Opps my bad just doesn't cut it when the Constitution is at stake.

[Dogmudgeon]

215. Roberts already apologized to Obama

He may yet make a formal, public apology to the American people.

Anyway, I don't hold this against him; it's his careless toying with the Constitution vis-a-vis civil and human rights that bothers me. History will not look kindly on Justice Roberts, irrespective of the oath fumble. We can and should hold him accountable like liberals, not Freepers.

--p!
Novus Ordo Saeclorum -- it's not just the Law, it's a Good Idea.

[valerief]

216. Maybe Roberts did it so the conservatives could claim the oath taken was not valid. nt

[no name no slogan]

218. YES! It's time we focus on REAL issues, like how badly Roberts fucked up!

Never mind the two unsustainable wars, the worldwide economic collapse, or the crumbling infrastructure of our country. Let's focus on the IMPORTANT thing:

HANG JUSTICE ROBERTS FOR FUKCING UP THE OATH

PS: would you please GET A LIFE ALREADY. We have work to do. :eyes:

[stuntcat]

219. I wish it could be forgotten altogether

There are so many big things going wrong in the world. Newspeople and anyone who'll talk with them for long about this are wasting time.

[jobycom]

220. Apparently it will take some of us longer to understand that we are in power than others.

We control the Congress, the Presidency, and almost SCOTUS. Look up, not down.

[Milo_Bloom]

221. He should apologize, but not for this silliness.

[tigereye]

222. why? Seems a bit extreme for a simple mistake...

:shrug: