Obama just signed his first proclamations as President, most notably on transparency expected from his administration.
More interesting though was the moment that happened immediately afterward, when VP Biden was asked to administer the oath to the senior staff members who were assembled. Biden wasn’t expecting to give the oath, and so in a moment of cover and panic, made a crack that “he didn’t have as good a memory as Justice Roberts” and would need a copy of the oath to read.
When Biden made that comment, Obama visibly bristled and frowned. This is the exact kind of classless politics he has renounced for the past 2 years on the campaign trail – and now he has a poster child of such politics on his right hand.
Lucky guy, huh.
I’m thrilled about Obama’s reaction though. It shows me he actually believes what he was saying, and is actually committed to a more civil dialogue in Washington. Then again, it just might be a sign that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, and even the highest levels have yet to buy into his vision.
Update: Washington Times Wire
Update: Here’s the video… it’s about 1/2 way through.