The Occasional Observer

Here's the transcript of President Obama's speech (or at least the first two paragraphs):

"My fellow citizens,

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents."

I felt the speech was delivered well and gave a positive message. However, I jumped all over a glaring error right off the bat--"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath."

WRONG!!! The oath has been taken forty-four times, but by forty-three Americans. Good ol' Grover Cleveland took it twice. Can't believe that this bungle of simple American history slipped by the fact-checkers and editors.

Is this a portend of things to come?

Let's see if anyone in the media jumps on this one--we all know if it was W there'd already be spoofs all over YouTube and on every comedy show.