Opinion: Biden plays a numbers game, perhaps to his disadvantage

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For an East Coast guy, Joe Biden last week showed a laudable awareness of a different part of the country. But a barb he directed at Bill Richardson left us wondering whether he’s lost touch with his own roots.

Biden joined Richardson and several other Democratic presidential contenders at a forum in Davenport, Iowa, sponsored by AARP (formerly the American Assn. of Retired Persons). Richardson, the governor of New Mexico, touted his experience in the executive branch of government, as is his wont (it distinguishes him from the plethora of senators -- including Biden -- he’s running against). In particular, Richardson extolled his efforts to expand health insurance coverage within his state.

Biden, perhaps tired of hearing Richardson’s rap for the umpteenth time, decided to offer his own contrast, this one on governing New Mexico versus the entire country.

‘My good friend from New Mexico, God love him,’ Biden began, using a trademark phrase. ‘His state’s a couple million people. Give me a break. He can pull that together. Pull together 300 million people. That’s like saying, you know, ‘I played halfback when I was in high school; I can play in the pros’ -- a different deal.’

Point well taken. But it also sent us to the U.S. Census Bureau for its latest population estimates. New Mexico: 1,954,599 (Biden was on the money). Delaware (his home state): 853,476.

So, using his analogy, it appears Biden’s been playing politics in the ankle-biter league.

-- Don Frederick