General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The next President needs to be an atheist [View all]Tanuki
(14,918 posts)Even though recent presidents have said "so help me God" at the end, this is the presidential oath of office as specified in the Constitution:
"Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:"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."
Similarly, while it is customary to recite the oath with the right hand on the bible, it is not obligatory. One president placed his hand on a law book. Lyndon Johnson was sworn in hastily, using a Catholic missal even though he was not Catholic, as it was the only thing handy on Air Force One.