Reply #9: His problem was that he was arrogant enough to think

[liberalhistorian]

that he didn't need no stinkin' notes, he was beyond brilliant and he'd do just fine, unlike every single other justice who's administered the oath (all used notes). Even the smartest people quite often need notes, especially when you know you're before a live worldwide audience of billions and it's your first time. As someone in another thread said, it was overconfidence and underpreparation. The whole thing would really be inconsequential if there weren't idiot fringe freeps and even repubs making a big deal out of it, blaming Obama.