While there is great optimism that the cap on the leak may actually contain the oil from vomiting into the Gulf long enough for the relief wells to take hold in August, there is still great concern over the jobs lost in the region.

The region’s citizens are in pretty bad shape and recovery isn’t happening any time soon; and the BP checks aren’t jumping over fences to help these Americans get through it either – after all, there is only so much a shrimper can do to skim the water’s surface for oil and the pay isn’t nearly what he’s used to.

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN SIT ON THE PATIO AT THE WHITE HOUSE FOR A MID-DAY LUNCH OF TUNA TARTAR AND SALAD.

BIDEN:

(Poking his fork around the raw fish)

I saw your address the other day about capping the oil leak.

OBAMA:

Oh yeah, what did you think?

BIDEN:

(Obviously unhappy)

I thought it was ok, I mean you were ok.

OBAMA WIPES HIS MOUTH WITH HIS NAPKIN AND SETS IT DOWN ON HIS LAP.

OBAMA:

Ok, Joe.  I can tell something is wrong.  What is it?

BIDEN:

I don’t know what you mean.

OBAMA:

Come on, Joe.  Spill it.  Sorry; bad choice of words.   But, it’s clear you’re unhappy about my address, so just let me hear it.

BIDEN:

Well, Mr. President, I noticed that you started to use the phrase “we” in the statement, when before it was pretty much “them.”

OBAMA:

Ok.  And?

BIDEN:

Well, you said “we” shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves, “we’ve still got a big job to do, “we” will be able to stop it, etc.

OBAMA:

And?  (he puts his hands into the air, pleading)  Joe focus.  And, your point is?

BIDEN:

Well, Mr. President, I always thought that “we” was you and me, you know, not you and BP.  I think it could send the wrong message, that’s all.

OBAMA:

(stares across the table at him)

Joe.  You and me (rowing his hands back and forth in air) are a “we” and a team.  My reference to BP as a “we” was to take partial credit for the cap and the temporary fix.  Before that, I didn’t want any part of them and if the cap fails, I won’t reference them as a “we” anymore.  Does that help?

BIDEN:

(he thinks a second and then his face turns into a huge smile)

Yes, it does.  “We” are just fine, aren’t “we?”