On CBS, 'Madam Secretary' Takes God Out of the Oath of Office

October 4th, 2015 11:05 PM

On Sunday night, CBS' Madam Secretary ordered the Code Red on God. In an episode called “The Show Must Go On,” Elizabeth McCord aka Madam Secretary (Tea Leoni) becomes temporary President of the United States through a weird set of circumstances. Air Force 1 is missing, the Vice President is incapacitated with a gallbladder attack, the Speaker of the House is on the same plane as the President, and the President pro tempore is bat-excrement crazy, thus unable to perform his function as lucky #4 in Presidential succession.

So, what does that mean? It means that “Madam Secretary” is sworn in as President by the guy who narrated March of the Penguins, and basically everything else that has ever been narrated over the last 15 years (Morgan Freeman). Except when this swearing in takes place, there’s the notable absence of a certain phrase that has been a staple of the Oath of Office:

>> Madam Secretary, if you will place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand... And repeat after me.

>> I, Elizabeth Adams Mccord, do solemnly swear...

>> I, Elizabeth Adams Mccord, do solemnly swear...

>> ...That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States...

>> ...That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States...

>> ...And will to the best of my ability...

>> ...And will to the best of my ability...

>> ...Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

>> ...Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

>> Good luck, ma'am.

>> Thank you.

So lame. Even this guy said, “So Help Me God”:

Twice.

No, “So Help Me God” is not a part of the official Oath. Many believe it was said by George Washington after the first Oath ever taken. Some disagree. But, it sure as heck has been used an awful lot, especially in recent history. Again, even by BHO. So, there’s a message being sent here. And since this show is meant to be nothing more than a primer for Hillary, clearly they’re already giving her Oath-taking ideas.

Which means of course, it’s going to be super-awkward for CBS when Joe Biden becomes the nominee.