There is speculation within the beltway that Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist may not be available to swear in the President for his second term.
Rehnquist is currently being treated for thyroid cancer has has missed oral arguments at the Supreme Court. He is, however, working at home and has authored at least one of this terms opinions.
While the Constitution specifies what the oath is, it does not specify who will give it. On nine occasions someone other than the Chief Justice has given the oath of office to a President. Most of these were on the occasions of a President's death. The last time followed the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
If Rehnquist is not available, the President can choose anyone he wants. Speculation is that he may pick Justice Antonin Scalia, a Bush favorite.
If You're Available Jan. 20 . . . (washingtonpost.com)
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