Here’s a historical look at the moment when the Chief Justice of the United States swears in a president, and how it can sometimes be awkward.
The Tin Man
Here’s a historical look at the moment when the Chief Justice of the United States swears in a president, and how it can sometimes be awkward.
Very interesting piece, especially about the use of and various justices’ thoughts on skullcaps:
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“…it will be necessary for the Court to be in full formal dress .— including skull cap, if that is the individual choice. If you are in need of a new cap, please notify this office prior to December 15, including your head size, and we will arrange to have one made.”
In the margin Blackmun — who usually marked up incoming memos extensively — penciled in only a large question mark. He was not impressed.
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And the vice-president’s officiator of the oath i did not know hasn’t always been another justice — yet i do now remember pawing through an old Life and seeing the clerk’s photo.
One a like vein:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/10/us/politics/10marian.html?_r=1&hp
This particular portion made the whole article for me:
Mr. Obama felt that sense of history on election night when Mrs. Robinson squeezed his hand as the final results came in.
“You had this sense of, well, what’s she thinking?†Mr. Obama said on “60 Minutes.†“For a black woman who grew up in the ’50s, you know, in a segregated Chicago, to watch her daughter become first lady of the United States.â€
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In many ways i think the Obama Presidency will revitalize interest in many (until now?) long-held traditions. In particular, this new first-family (especially Mrs Robinson) will probably embolden some of our country’s core values.
rob@egoz.org