OVAL OFFICE
Obama is holding a meeting with Joe Biden, Susan Rice and James Comey
Comey –
I asked Director Clapper to share the FBI report of our security assessment so you should be up to speed. I am in position and prepared to proceed accordingly.
Obama –
Very good, James. I want to make clear I am not asking, initiating, instructing, suggesting, nothing whatever from a law enforcement or intelligence perspective. Please proceed by the book.
Comey –
Mr. President, sir.
Obama –
Yes, James.
Comey –
What do you mean “by the book”?
Obama –
As we engage the Trump people, we have to be careful. From a national security perspective. Especially as it relates to Russia. We need to proceed based on the book.
Comey –
Yeah I’m still struggling to understand what you mean by the book. Does this refer to additional intelligence?
Obama –
No, James. You just need to go by the book and everything will be fine.
Silence for a few seconds
Rice –
By the book means we have to be careful to only share intelligence that is required.
Comey –
I’m always careful. I totally get that. I’m just struggling to understand by the book.
Obama –
It’s a metaphor. You know, “by the book”.
Comey –
Metaphor?
Obama –
Just do it by the book. Ok?
Comey –
Sir. I. Just.
Biden –
For God’s sake! Do it by the damn book!
Comey –
I’ll do my honest best, Vice President Biden. I promise you that.
Biden –
Bunch of malarkey!
Obama picks up a pencil
Obama –
Obama out
Obama drops the pencil on the desk