VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN IS IN THE OVAL OFFICE WITH THE PRESIDENT.  HE GLANCES

THROUGH A STACK OF CREDIT CARD RECEIPTS.

THE PRESIDENT LOOKS OVER HIS READING GLASSES AT THE VICE PRESIDENT.

OBAMA:          

Joe, what are you working on?

BIDEN:

I figured it would take a while to get the call connected, so I brought some things to work on.

OBAMA:          

I can see that, Joe, but what is it that you’re working on?

BIDEN:

(with a look like, isn’t it obvious??

Taxes, Mr. President.  And, if you haven’t started, you better get it going.  This is your first year as the president and the press is going to be all over you hide; happens every first year.

OBAMA:          

Thanks for the tip, but it’s already handled.

BIDEN:

(looks up with a receipt in his hand)

Hey, did we do dinner together in California in January?

OBAMA:          

What?

BIDEN:

I’ve got a receipt here with a 25% tip and I normally tip exactly 15%.  But, I do remember trying to give the  

OBAMA:          

Joe, we’re getting ready for a call with the joint chiefs on Iraq and Afghanistan, do you mind?

BIDEN:

(shrugs and puts the receipt down)

The stuff that they’re get you on is simple.  An incorrect Social Security number, inverted bank account numbers, charitable contributions and you have that Nobel chunk that they’re going drill into deep.

OBAMA:          

Joe, please.

BIDEN:

Missing deductions on tax breaks, medical expenses, or just forgetting to sign the forms.

OBAMA:          

(pauses – then picks up the phone, turning away from Biden and hushing his voice into the phone)

Hey,Michelle?  Can you make sure we signed the returns?