There were a few bizarre questions in last night’s debate, but this exchange stood out.

WILLIAMS: Senator Biden, a question for you. A friend of mine who’s in the leadership of the Democratic party says that if the party goes down a third straight time, what will happen is what he defines as “modern day extinction” of the Democratic party. Putting yourself aside, perhaps, is there a winner on this stage tonight, and does your party have what it takes to reverse this trend and win the White House?

SEN. BIDEN: Absolutely yes, there’s a winner. Taking myself out, I’m looking at a bunch of winners right here, number.

First, what’s Biden going to say? “No, we’re going to lose, all hope is lost”?

Second, as I recall, the Democratic candidate got more votes than the Republican candidate in three of the last four presidential elections. And the fourth was pretty close.

Third, as Steve M. noted, "Excuse me -- the Democrats just won back both houses of Congress, are likely to retain congressional control in 2008, are far ahead of the Republicans in party identification in public-opinion polls, and won the popular vote in three of the past four presidential elections -- what 'trend' points to 'extinction'?"