WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama was sworn-in for a second term Sunday at 11:56 a.m. at a small ceremony in the Blue Room of the White House.
"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," Obama said, repeating 35 words enshrined in the Constitution that transform a citizen into the president.
Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath, which was broadcast live and witnessed in person by the President's family and a handful of reporters. First Lady Michele Obama held her family bible and Obama placed his left hand on it as he repeated the oath.
After completing the oath, Obama thanked Roberts, who was reading from notes, and hugged his family. His daughter Sasha said "great job, daddy," and he replied "I did it."
"You didn't mess up," she added.
The Constitution dictates that presidential terms begin and end at noon on January 20. Because that date falls on Sunday, in accordance with tradition the public ceremonial events will take place on Monday, with Obama repeating the oath before an expected crowd of hundreds of thousands on the National Mall before participating in the inaugural parade and the formal balls.
Because of a flub at his first swearing-in, Obama will be the only president sworn in four times by the same Chief Justice, with Franklin Delano Roosevelt being the only president sworn in for four terms.
Earlier Sunday, Vice President Joe Biden was sworn-in at the Naval Observatory by Justice Sonya Sotomayor, who was nominated by Obama to the Supreme Court. Biden then joined Obama to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.