President Obama took his oath in a quiet 2-minute ceremony held in the Blue Room of the White house, earlier today.
The commander in chief stood with First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia, during the ceremony, helmed by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
Due to Constitutional requirements which state the president must be sworn in by noon on the Jan. 20 after the election, the oath was done ahead of the events held for his inauguration. Because the date falls on a Sunday, other festivities will be held tomorrow.
Vice President Joe Biden was sworn in before Obama, at his residence on the ground of the Naval Observatory. Biden used the same 19th-century Bible that he has used since being sworn into the Senate, nearly 40 years ago.
Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor administered Biden’s oath.
During tomorrow’s events, Beyoncé is billed to sing the National Anthem, a move which was petitioned. Laurie David, ex-wife of Seinfeld creator Larry David, led the opposition citing the 31-year-old’s $50 million deal with Pepsi. According to Laurie, the endorsement of the soda brand is in direct conflict with Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign which encourages children to be active and eat healthy.
The White House has since removed the petition on grounds that it is up to the Inaugural Committee to decide who performs at the event.
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Photo: New York Times
