Harry R. Lewis, a computer science professor and a former dean of Harvard College, was quick to criticize the oath.
"Some athletes lie under oath.
But al-Nusra was quick to stress that the oath would have no impact on its role in Syria, where it has come to play a significant role in the fight against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
After Roberts mangled the oath, there was a quick, private ceremony at the White House with no television footage.
When a Muslim congressman was condemned by some for taking the oath of office on a Koran instead of a Bible, ADL was quick to defend his right to that option.
Roberts on Thursday may have given him quick pointers on the process, which takes a few seconds, but officially vests the oath-taker with the office of the presidency, as well as all its powers and duties.
Even before taking the oath of office, Obama and his transition team have been active in lobbying Congress for quick action on a stimulus package totaling approximately $850 billion, or maybe even higher.
