Agree on the reading choices. I just see the Pledge as being one to a unified Republic, and not to a President. More like the ideals of our nation than whatever government has managed to win the latest election. I loathed Obama, but proudly stated my pledge on a regular basis (part of my work at the time) during his two terms.
You are much closer to my heart than most who are posting here. The pledge says, “...with LIBERTY and justice for all”. I have a lot more of a problem with those who say it, but don’t practice it. Those who say the Pledge and then fail to abide by it are the actual traitors. The others are merely outsiders.