Gary Doer: Go figure
Richard Madan, CBC Canada Now | June 2

Geesh, you know someone's relaxed when they're joking and laughing whenever you see them. Go figure it's Gary Doer, and it's the last week of the election campaign.

Obviously party insiders must have given Doer some favourable polling data shortly after the May long weekend. Doer has been much more relaxed – even slack – since then. His usual witty barbs at certain CBC reporters have been remarkably sharper of late, it seems.

And to much surprise, the NDP didn't bother making any new policy announcements in the last crucial week of the campaign – but then again, why bother?

The latest poll suggests the NDP has captured 58 per cent of decided voters – and much of the traditional PC and Liberal support has eroded – which, if it plays out in votes, would mean the NDP is headed for a commanding re-election.

So will Doer and the rest of "Today's NDP" coast through the waning days until voters hand them the keys to the premier's office?

Like most skilled politicians, Doer knows a poll showing this much of a lead could seriously backfire. There's a risk many "soft" NDP voters may not bother casting ballots because the NDP is so far ahead. Or, some might vote strategically to give other parties a chance in opposition.

And just how worried is Doer about this poll? He's scolded the media for reporting it. He says it's irresponsible for the media to report such high polling results.

After all, it would be a disaster for Doer to lose what appears to be a sweeping majority because voters either didn't bother going to the polls, or out of protest votes against such high standings.

Perhaps that's why Doer's insistence that he's "campaigning as if he's one vote behind" especially rings true now, more than ever.