"President" Obama...30 hours, and no powers!

It is almost kind of funny that over a million people froze their butts off and the world as a whole watched an historic moment...but one that that didn't actually occur. President Obama taking the Oath of Office.

By my reckoning we went roughly 30+ hours without a "President", as a result of the Presidential Oath of Office having been improperly administered by Chief Justice Roberts. Careful reviews show that one word was omitted.

Minor though it may seem...and in something of a conflict with the 20th Amendment to the Constitution...we had a titular President as of noon on Inauguration Day...but President Obama had none of the Constitutional powers and authority of the Presidency until sometime 30+ hours later when Chief Justice Roberts administered, and Obama took the oath properly.

This is at least the 3rd known time this has happened...and lest people think it is minor...consider this. The Oath has been re-administered at least 3 times out of recognition that the Constitution is clear. The President is President in name only until he takes the prescribed oath.

It isn't optional or trivial and if it was ever tested in the Supreme Court, would certainly be acknowledged.

Article. II. - The Executive Branch, Section 1 - The President

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

I have heard numerous reports that they did it again "just to avoid any difficulties" and such - but the fact is, they did it again...as did the others on the previous occassions...because of a recognition that the Constitution is clear. The President is not vested with his Presidential powers until he has taken his Oath of Office.

I am pleased that the Republic survived the 30 or so hours without a Constitutionally empowered President...what I'm not pleased about, is that we had to! All that was needed to resolve the situation was for President Obama to take 20 seconds in an alcove to complete the Oath properly. Robert and many other Federal Judges were available. There was plenty of time to do so, quietly, within minutes of the error.