When was the last time Joe Biden bought a loaf of bread? The president has people for that, and the wherewithal to cover the cost of even the most artisanal of brioches.

Considering his long career in politics — nearly 50 years as senator, vice president and now president — the days where Biden had to work out a family budget are long past him.

For Biden, and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, the Beltway is a cocoon of privilege unknown to most Americans. DC pols get most of their health coverage paid for, make six-figure salaries, and the longer they’re in office, remain far removed from the daily realities of their constituents.

Washington needs a reality check.

Back in 2014 when Congress was debating raising the minimum wage, Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) took a “live the wage challenge” – to live on pay of $7.25 per hour for a week.

As CNN reported, Ryan and his wife had $154 for his family of two pre-teen children and a newborn. After an unexpected expense for the baby, Ryan said he was going to have buy hamburger meat and not steak, sardines instead of salmon. Or forgo meat altogether for rice and beans.

Going to the movies was out, and summer camp for his daughter capsized the budget.

They lost the challenge. “We didn’t make it but it was a great experience,” Ryan said.

How many lawmakers could survive on the median income for constituents in their district? Subtracting what they would pay for health care, rent, food, transportation and sundries — most if not all would hit a financial wall.

The elites in D.C. too often dismiss the concerns of working class Americans. These are the voters who don’t have friends on Nantucket to host them for vacations. Nor are they on the Met Gala red carpet.

They’ve already cut out meat.

They drive what they drive because hopefully, their car is going to last a while and it’s what they can afford. They’re the ones without a 401(k), who will likely depend on Social Security, but fear it won’t be enough to live on. They’re in the 65% of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck.

A car repair, medical bill or unexpected expense can be catastrophic.

How many on Capitol Hill can relate?

Some lawmakers do work hard for their constituents, and are mindful of the realities of the non-rich. Too many others are clueless.

So let’s revive the wage challenge. Let those in Congress who purport to understand the struggles of ordinary citizens step up and live within the confines of an average salary.

Let them come up with ideas on saving for retirement, buying an electric car, and providing their children with educational enrichment.

The economy isn’t abstract for most Americans. When inflation spikes and interest rates follow, they feel it. Their children feel it. The graphs and charts and assurances that all will be well mean nothing when you have more month than money. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that inflation was still holding firm as of March and a Fed interest rate cut looks unlikely. Credit card bills will reflect this.

Here’s a chance for the Beltway crowd to show just how in tune they are with the American people. It could provide a sobering lesson for lawmakers who have no clue what the contents of their refrigerators cost.

Hopefully, it would be a teaching moment.

Any takers?

Editorial cartoon by Steve Kelley (Creators Syndicate)