January 9th, 2009
04:15 PM ET
11 years ago
Obama has asked to say 'so help me God' at swearing-in
(CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama has requested that the words “so help me God” be added to the end of the oath of office to be administered by Chief Justice John Roberts on Inauguration Day.
That confirmation came in an affidavit filed today by Roberts' court counselor in a pending lawsuit by an atheist opposed to any mention of God in the inaugural ceremonies. Roberts said he would abide by Obama’s wishes.
The Constitution has specific language on what has to be said when swearing in the president, but the “so help me God” phrase has traditionally been added at the end of the required oath, starting with George Washington in 1789.
Carlo and Robert are right and I wonder what will be the GOP strategy in 2012 when they go against Obama. Shame on them if they feel the president is a terrorists the world will laugh at them after knowing Obama. Mark my words 2012 will spell the doom of the GOP for a long time and it will take Bobby Jindal to rescue that party called Grand Old People.
Hey people weather your Muslim or Christian, God is God, I'm just asking the Almighty to show all us the path, or humanity itself will be lost and this will be the last President of the United States.
So lets pray that all of our elected leaders can listen for word of the Almighty so we can survive as a nation.
I think I am love.:-) .....this man is a kindred spirit to my soul...
Seriously, You have done the right thing, believe in your heart what you say in your words!
Carlo, you are absolutely right. For those of you who are convinced he's a Muslim, if that were true, I'm sure the republican bloodhounds would have found out. They are a ruthless bunch.
Well said Carlo! I really think we as Americans need to dispense with all this useless drama and put our energies toward conquering the many challenges that lay ahead of us. Last I checked, God wasn't the type to come swooping in and lay down some Thou Shalts in regard to the economy. But as I see it, asking for God's help never hurt anyone. That 25% that Carlos referred to ought to try it!! 🙂
Like they say, there's no atheists in foxholes....
Praise GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Barack Obama you are AWESOME!!!!!
That is why 99.9 choose "U".
How "ya like THAT!".
looks like "Old Hand' needs a new hand.
everything is news from here on out – since Nov. 4th, get use to it.
He'll probably have his fingers crossed....
Hopefully he will have better luck than the Govs of New Mexico and Illinois and the mayors of Detriot and now Baltimore.
Thank goodness Barack Obama has a good head on his shoulders and acts in accordance with his beliefs. We could use a good deal more of that in Washington.
If Obama (or anyone else for that matter) wants to publicly state that they believe in fairy tales, they should be allowed. I personally find it disheartening that any of government officials buy into the talking snake/immaculate conception scheme, but who am I to tell someone that they can't believe in Santa Claus?
I believe in God. But religion has no business in politics. Religion has had more people killed than any other cause. Keep your church out of my state.
He's gonna need it.
"God" could mean a divine being, the Universe, Higher Power, etc. Personally, I don't like religious zealots of any sort, but Obama's saying the word "God" is really no big deal. As a matter of fact, his use of the word "God" just shows that he knows how to be humble and realize that there are higher powers greater than he.
@ Robert, SC and Carlo
I'm 57 years young, and I thought my children would expereince a brighter future-because of Education. . .
I WAS WRONG . . . Ignorance is still a high percentage of America !
I think it's news because there is an athiest trying to get that phrase out of the swearing in. Obama is making sure it's known he wants it in there. So, an athiest shouldn't be able to push his beliefs on someone that wants to say the phrase. Way to go Obama. I didn't vote for you, but I'm proud of you.
That's a great idea........ sadly with the Bush Disaster that President Obama will have to deal with, he will plenty of help from GOD!
HOPE WON.......... HOPE WON......... HOPE WON......... HOPE WON...........
You cannot help a lost mind or as the bible call it, a Reprobate mind. They are lost until they wake up to the truth. It is called self denial...
I sooooooo love this man, I mean PE Obama! You go sir! Very smart move! And He will "so help" you in all of your endeavors!" Amen.
Our founding-fathers are conservative, and this nation is a Christian nation. Obama is not above God.
If he's reeelected in 2012, you won't hear him asking for it to be included again.
Thank you Pres. Elect Obama! Our nation cannot fold to the minority wishes–especially when it comes to the mention of God!
Again, too old to old hand.
What the atheist doesn't understand is that its Obama's choice to say "So Help Me God". Some presidents say it, some don't. No on is mandating that it must be said.
There is no evidence that George Washington DIDN'T say 'so help me God.' He was a strong believer in God's Providence in his life.