In our opinion: The president's taking the oath of office is not an antiquated formality

As the president assumes his second term, we would not only remind him of his fundamental constitutional obligations but his prudential obligation to make governance through principled compromise work. Yes, the public has given him a high trust. But the public has also given its electoral trust to congressional representatives who have a philosophically different approach to policy. They, too, have been sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. The president has the prerogative to question their reasons and judgment, but he should learn from his vice president that he is wrong and ineffectual when he questions their motives — especially through uninspiring public scolding.

With a second term comes an opportunity for renewal. We trust the president will see and seize that opportunity and revive his initial hopeful instincts for our nation's progress.