Video: President Barack Obama officially sworn into office for second term
President Barack Obama was sworn into office for his second term as US president on Sunday.
The US constitution requires that the president be sworn in by 20 January, and so President Obama was sworn in at a private ceremony in the Blue Room, in the White House yesterday.
He will repeat the oath given in the video on Monday at his public inauguration.
In the video, with his wife Michelle by his side, President Obama says the oath: “I do solemnly swear 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, so help me God.”
He went on to say: “What we are celebrating is not the election or the swearing in of the president, what we are doing is celebrating each other and celebrating this incredible nation that we call home,” reports AFP
At the inauguration today which hundreds of thousands are expected to attend, the pro-gay pastor of the Episcopal parish closest to the White House will give the benediction, as well as performances by singer Beyonce, a parade, and black tie balls.
