<Table> <Tr> <Td> "</Td> <Td> I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter . So help me God . </Td> <Td>" </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> "</Td> <Td> I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter . So help me God . </Td> <Td>" </Td> </Tr> <P> At noon, the new presidential and vice presidential terms begin . At about that time, the president recites the constitutionally mandated oath of office: </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> "</Td> <Td> I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States . </Td> <Td>" </Td> </Tr> </Table>

What is the traditional first step in the election process for president of the united states