While campaigning for high office, a candidate must prove their mettle by outlining policies. Convincing skeptics. Rebutting attacks. And, of course, participating in many, many photos ops.
If a politician is at a factory, a farm, or any other place where there are hats to be worn and tools to be used, they must take full advantage of the visual possibilities. Here are 12 of our favourites from Christy Clark and Adrian Dix so far this campaign.
1. Dix the Drag Racer
What the caption says: “NDP Leader Adrian Dix reacts as he tests his reaction time on a mock up of a drag race car in an automotive class during a campaign stop at the University of the Fraser Valley in Chilliwack, B.C., on Wednesday April 17, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Firm hand on the wheel (even if the vehicle is somewhat unfamiliar).
2. Clark the Welder
What the caption says: “Liberal Leader Christy Clark walks past a welding machine during a visit to Langley Concrete during day 2 of the British Columbia election campaign in Chilliwack, B.C. Wednesday, April 17, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Ability to ignore sparks flying in the background (and having a helmet that is resolutely on message).
3. Dix the Farmer
What the caption says: “British Columbia NDP Leader Adrian Dix sits on a tractor during a campaign stop at Sidhu Orchards in Lake Country, B.C., on Sunday April 21, 2013. British Columbians go to the polls for a provincial election May 14.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Prepping rugged natural terrain so that laid-out plans can eventually flourish.
4. Clark the Pancake Maker
What the caption says: “Liberal leader Christy Clark flips a pannekoek during a stop at De Dutch Restaurant during day two of the British Columbia election campaign in Surrey, B.C. Wednesday, April 17, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Knowing the exact moment to turn something upside down so that it avoids being burnt.
5. Dix the Wine Taster
What the caption says: “British Columbia NDP Leader Adrian Dix smells locally made black current liqueur before tasting it during a campaign stop at Okanagan Spirits in Kelowna, B.C., on Sunday April 21, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Learning how to choose one option out of many, even though most people think they’re all basically the same.
6. Clark the Natural Gas Compression Technician
What the caption says: “Natural gas is burned off in the background as Liberal leader Christy Clark visits the Encana compressor site in Dawson Creek, B.C. Thursday, April 18, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Looking confident in public as a fire explodes behind.
7. Dix the Reader
What the caption says: “British Columbia NDP Leader Adrian Dix holds up a book entitled “The Art of Cruelty” while shopping for books at the Laughing Oyster Book Shop in Courtenay, B.C., while en route to a provincial election campaign stop in Parksville on Thursday April 18, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Self-evident.
8. Clark the Drink Inspector
What the caption says: “British Columbia Liberal leader Christy Clark attends the annual Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey, B.C., on Saturday, April 20, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Stare at opaque situations and determine a fundamental truth about it.
9. Dix the Fruit Tosser
What the caption says: There’s no caption. Twice, David Dyck photographed Adrian Dix throwing a piece of fruit in the air. Were these the only two times he has done so? Is this how the NDP leader relieves stress on the road? To date, Dix has been silent.
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Sometimes you throw ideas in the air, and…why did Dix do this twice?
10. Clark the Baker
What the caption says: “Liberal leader Christy Clark, left, uses a rolling pin to make cinnamon buns with local candidate Jackie Tegart, right, during day two of the British Columbia election campaign in Meritt, B.C. Wednesday, April 17, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Rolling over things, and then putting them in an oven to burn? No political equivalents here, I’m afraid.
11. Dix the Sun God
What the caption says: “British Columbia NDP Leader Adrian Dix speaks to students at Westsyde Secondary School during a town hall election campaign stop in Kamloops B.C., on Monday April 22, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: You may be the sun—but clouds are blocking the way more often than not.
12. Clark the Desalination Expert
What the caption says: “Liberal Leader Christy Clark holds up a membrane separator during a campaign stop at Saltworks Technology in Vancouver, B.C. Monday, April 22, 2013.”
Tenuous grasp to being premier: Learning to put up a strong front—even though the defence may be full of holes.
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