Everything Everywhere Daily: Presidential Inaugurations – The Peaceful Transition of Power (Encore) Release Date: January 19, 2025

Host: Gary Arndt
Guest: Chris Christensen

Introduction to Presidential Inaugurations

In this encore episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, Chris Christensen dives deep into the history and traditions surrounding the United States Presidential Inaugurations. He explores why January 20th was chosen as the inauguration date and traces the origins of various inaugural traditions that have stood the test of time.

The Oath of Office

Chris begins by presenting the solemn commitment a president makes during the inauguration:

"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." (00:22)

This oath, central to the inauguration, emphasizes the president's duty to uphold the Constitution.

Historical Evolution of the Inauguration Date

Originally, Presidential Inaugurations took place on March 4th, aligning with the Constitution's establishment. However, logistical challenges arose as the nation expanded westward:

• Transportation Delays: With the reliance on horseback and the absence of a transcontinental railroad until 1862, travel times to Washington, D.C., were lengthy.
• Staggered Elections: Early elections lacked a uniform voting day, with some states casting votes as early as September.

To accommodate these factors, March 4th provided a buffer between the Electoral College's vote and the incoming president's arrival and cabinet formation.

The shift to January 20th occurred with the 20th Amendment, known as the Lame Duck Amendment, to reduce the transition period. Franklin Roosevelt was the first president inaugurated on January 20th during his second term in 1937:

"Needless to say, inauguration suddenly got a lot colder." (03:50)

This change not only expedited the transition but also introduced varying weather conditions, with Ronald Reagan's second inauguration experiencing a frigid 7°F (-14°C).

Traditions Initiated by George Washington

Several inaugural traditions trace back to the nation's first president:

• Bible Usage: Washington placed his hand on a Bible from the St. John's Lodge, number one of the ancient York Masons. Although the verse chosen, Genesis 47, was random and unrelated to the presidency, it set a precedent for future presidents:

  "The Bible which was used was taken from the St. John's Lodge... It was randomly opened to a page which turned out to be Genesis 47." (04:50)

• Adding "So Help Me God" and Kissing the Bible:

  Washington ad-libbed these elements, which have since become customary for many presidents. However, it's not mandatory—some presidents, like John Quincy Adams and Franklin Pierce, opted to place their hand on a book of law or omitted the Bible altogether.

Notable Oath Mistakes and Adjustments

Over the years, several presidents have stumbled during their oaths:

• William Howard Taft: In 1909 and 1929, Taft incorrectly repeated the oath, leading to minor discrepancies in wording.

  "In 1909, William Howard Taft repeated the oath incorrectly as given by the Chief Justice." (05:30)

• Herbert Hoover: Repeated a similar mistake without retaking the oath.

• Lyndon Johnson: Added the word "Presidency" upon prompt from Chief Justice Earl Warren.

• Barack Obama: Initially faltered but retook the oath the following day for assurance.

Despite these hiccups, the essence of the oath remains unbroken, ensuring a peaceful transition of power.

Inaugural Addresses: Length and Impact

Presidential inaugural addresses vary widely in length and substance:

• Shortest: Franklin D. Roosevelt's second address at 135 words.
• Longest: William Henry Harrison's extensive 8,445-word speech, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes.

These addresses reflect the individual styles and priorities of each administration, shaping public perception from day one.

Modern Inauguration Traditions in the 20th Century

The 20th century introduced several new traditions to the inauguration ceremony:

• Automobile Entrance: Warren Harding was the first to arrive at the Capitol by car in 1921.
• Televised Ceremonies: Harry Truman's 1949 inauguration was the first to be broadcast on television, broadening public access.
• Inaugural Luncheon: Since 1953, a luncheon hosted by Congress honors the incoming president.
• Active First Ladies: In 1965, Lady Bird Johnson held the Bible during the ceremony, marking a more prominent role for first ladies.
• Interfaith Prayer Service: Initiated in 1985, this service reflects America's religious diversity.

Conversely, some traditions didn't endure. Andrew Jackson's attempt in the 1830s to invite the public to the White House resulted in overcrowding, forcing him to flee through a window, illustrating the challenges of managing public enthusiasm.

The Role of the Chief Justice and Oath Administration

While traditionally administered by the Chief Justice, the oath can be bestowed by anyone qualified:

"Technically, anyone can administer the oath of office." (07:30)

Instances where the Chief Justice was unavailable led to alternative officials, such as Warren Harding's father—a notary public—or judges stepping in during unexpected vacancies.

Conclusion

Over 232 years and 59 inaugurations, the Presidential Inauguration has evolved, balancing enduring traditions with adaptations to modern realities. Despite variations in execution and personal touches from each president, the ceremony consistently symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power and the continuity of governance in the United States.

As Chris Christensen aptly summarizes:

"Every inauguration is different, but they all share common traditions that have tied them together throughout American history." (09:00)

Notable Quotes:

• “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States...” – Chris Christensen (00:22)
• “Needless to say, inauguration suddenly got a lot colder.” – Chris Christensen (03:50)
• “The Bible which was used was taken from the St. John's Lodge...” – Chris Christensen (04:50)
• “Technically, anyone can administer the oath of office.” – Chris Christensen (07:30)
• “Every inauguration is different, but they all share common traditions...” – Chris Christensen (09:00)

This summary captures the essence of Chris Christensen's exploration of Presidential Inaugurations, providing a comprehensive overview for those unable to listen to the full episode.