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Politics & Government

Hardly in office and already Obama makes a mistake

Steven Thomma - McClatchy Newspapers

January 20, 2009 08:42 PM

WASHINGTON — Oops.

Just seconds into his term, President Barack Obama made a mistake about the history of his new office.

In the second paragraph of his inaugural address, Obama said, "Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath."

Sorry. While Obama IS the 44th president, he is actually only the 43rd American to take the oath.

Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms. He is counted as the 22nd president, serving from 1885 to 1889. He won back the office four years later, and is counted also as the 24th president, serving again from 1893-1897.

Two presidents – but one American.

White House history of presidents

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