Presidential Swearing Match
There are many firsts surrounding Barack Obama's inauguration. Here is an interesting one:
Tradition has it that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has presided over the presidential swearing in ceremony at every inauguration since Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth administered the oath to John Adams in 1797. When Chief Justice John Roberts handed over the presidency to Barack Obama it marked the first time that the new President received power from a Chief Justice he voted against during confirmation proceedings. Is it any wonder that Roberts botched the words? It would be interesting to know what the two men talked about privately, if anything, one can imagine this line coming up: "It's getting a bit stuffy in here, better step out for some fresh air." That will be another team rivalry worth watching over the years...