Trump's Number Crunchers Get to Work

Written by David Frum on Friday April 22, 2011

According to news reports, Donald Trump is working with his accountants to prepare federal disclosure forms.

So Donald Trump is working with his accountants to prepare disclosure forms. This reminds me of a favorite joke.

A CEO is interviewing accountants for his company. Three applicants sit in the waiting room to be interviewed.

The first applicant enters the magnificent office, very nervous. The CEO motions the accountant to take a seat. "I'm a simple man," says the CEO, "and I have only one simple question for you. What is two plus two?"

The accountant cheers up. This is going to be easier than he dared hope. "Four!" he answers brightly.

The CEO shouts: "Next!"

The second accountant enters, takes a seat. The CEO asks again: "What is two plus two?" This accountant thinks for a moment. "Do you want the answer in binary format or base 10?"

The CEO nods, impressed. "You're smart. Congratulations. Next!"

The third accountant enters, takes a seat. Once more the same question: "What is two plus two?" This accountant does not hesitate. "What would you like it to be?"

As the Donald would have said: "You're hired."