CBC Talks Politics At Georgian Downs

The finishing stages of political elections can tend to look a lot like a horse race, with party leaders making spirited late bids to get all the marbles. With the Canadian Federal Election in the home stretch, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation headed to Georgian Downs to see what some of harness racing's participants felt about the race

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On Monday, May 2, Canadians will go to the polls and will decide whether Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff or New Democrat leader Jack Layton will be the next in power of the country.

In a video piece for the CBC's 'Connect with Mark Kelley,' Nick Purdon went into the paddock and polled drivers Aaron Byron, Steve Byron, Paul MacKenzie and Rick Zeron about the upcoming election.

According to Purdon, in the late stages of such campaigns, the political spin doctors and campaign managers end up controlling the outcome of the 'race.' Therefore, keeping that line of thinking in mind, Purdon thought that the best people to approach in the paddock about who will win the political race are the drivers, as they are the ones entrusted to steer horses to the winner's circle.

"Just keep the stamina going up, Harper. Don't lie, be honest and you'll keep getting elected," said Rick Zeron.

If Aaron Bryon's horse was Stephen Harper, his approach would be simple. "I think I'd just put the bit back in his mouth and let him guide me to victory."

When in the grandstand, Purdon asked a gentleman taking in the races, "Would you say that betting on a horse is a lot like betting on a politician?"

The reply was, "Yeah, you don't know what you're going to get, I guess."

Announcer Gary Guy referred to NDP leader Jack Layton as a "pretender," the kind of horse that has "32 starts and zero wins." Guy then offered CBC the stretch call of the political race as if it was a horse race.

To view the video on the CBC website, click here.