I don't see a big deal in it either. If there's this separation of government and religion, then it shouldn't matter to anyone what you swear upon. The problem is that the perception of the American people is that there really IS no separation in this area....thus, the skepticism.

If the ideal pertained, then nobody would question this sort of request. But, that's just my opinion. If I were one to be sworn in, I'd ask to swear in on my own conscience....don't need a prop.