PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATIONS: DEVIATIONS FROM TRADITION, PART II

» jerrib - Pretty amazing facts, John

Guess presidents that delayed inaugeration were making their first decision, hmm? I found it interesting that Johnson was the only president sworn in by a woman. And Coolidge, again, by this father. Enjoyable read.

-- posted by jerrib

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» Brian Tubbs - Great series, John

I enjoyed both articles very much.

I was surprised you didn't cover two of the more obvious inaugural precedents, that being the addition of "so help me God" to the presidential oath and the taking of the oath itself on the Bible (though I believe a few declined the latter tradition). I realize that the discussion of religion in the public square is highly controversial, but I think these twin precedents, started by George Washington, and continued with little interruption since, are noteworthy. They have added a deeper level of symbolism and profundity to what is one of the most (dare I say the word?) "sacred" exercises of our republican form of government. Both traditions, particularly the words added to the constitutional oath, symbolize the gravity of responsibility that the new President shoulders upon taking office. I think Washington understood this perhaps better than any of his successors, which could very well be the reason he ushered in the traditions in the first place.

-- posted by Brian Tubbs

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» Mugwump53 - Re: Great series, John

In response to message posted by BrianTubbs:

Thanks, Brian. I'm glad you liked the articles. I rememebr the trivia question on the words "so help me God" and using the Bible. Although the series concentrated on differences in dates, places and who was giving the oath, those would have been interesting to include. I may go back and edit the article, in which case I will do so.

Thanks again.

-- posted by Mugwump53

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» Brian Tubbs - Re: Re: Great series, John

In response to message posted by Mugwump53:

If you do edit the article, be sure to delete this particular exchange between us. My critique will look rather foolish otherwise. Of course, I guess that's the advantage of being a CE. You can make your critics look bad. :-)

For whatever it's worth, my criticism is very minor. They really were excellent articles!

-- posted by Brian Tubbs

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» Tina_Coruth - Another great series!

Hi John,

I enjoyed this article very much, as I enjoyed this series. Well, as I enjoy all of your articles!

I don't think I will forget that Robert L. Livingston, Chancellor of New York State administered the oath of office to George Washington! :-)

Thank you.
Tina

-- posted by Tina_Coruth

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» BuckyRea - Chet

Interesting bit I didn't know about the presidents who got inaugurated twice for the same term. It particularly stands out that Chet Arther got inaugurated twice without ever being elected. Next time the opportunity presents itself, I'll drop a mention of Ronald Reagan's third inauguration and wait for them to smugly correct me. Thank you for enabling my next "gotcha," John.

-- posted by BuckyRea

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» Mugwump53 - Thanks Y'all

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you both liked the article.

Livingston is a good trivia question in itself, Tina. Also, another good one is just what is a Chancellor? Very few know that one.

Bucky, I am always happy to be able to provide a good "gotcha" to a friend. Use it in good health.

-- posted by Mugwump53

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