Not so  Taft made an even bigger error   As was thoroughly discussed in the blawgosphere in the last  hours or so there is likely no person anywhere with standing to challenge the oath as void and in any case taking the oath is a condition precedent to executing the office it is not actually important that it be done a particular way  Its a formality  The presidency began at noon as everyone agrees  Taft in administering the oath to Hoover used the word maintain instead of another word I think it was preserve  There is no noncrazy person who believes that Hoover was therefore not actually President  I would point you to a Wikipedia essay that might help you relax but then Id be in need of similar medicine HAND