5 things I've learned about Dwight Ball on the campaign trail

Travelling with the leaders gives reporters a chance to see the campaigns up close. We're there for the policy announcements, the campaign stops and the chance to ask dozens if not hundreds of questions over the month long campaign.

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It also means we spend an awful lot of time with the leaders.

Over this month, I'll probably see  Dwight Ball more than his wife will, so along with the policy statements, I've already learned a few things about the Liberal leader.

1. He likes numbers and data

He's someone who likes to study all the facts and figures before a debate or a policy announcement.  His staff can often be seen carrying armfuls of binders on the bus, especially as he prepares for many of the forums and debates during this campaign.

During stops where he's meeting local business owners, he asks a lot of detailed questions about their business, future plans and a lot of the nitty-gritty details about how it all works.

2. He seems to enjoy meeting people

Glad-handing is a vital skill for any politician but not all are good at it, or enjoy that part of the job. After all, it's not a natural thing for most people to walk up to a stranger, shake their hand and try and make a quick connection before moving on.

Danny Williams was a master at it. During the last provincial campaign in 2011, I watched then-Liberal leader Kevin Aylward struggle with it. He never seemed entirely comfortable; it looked like he was doing it because he had to.

After a long campaign to become Liberal leader, Ball has had practice.

3. He's close with his mom

Ball credits his mother's worth ethic for inspiring his own. Evelyn Ball is 81 years old, and still works. She says she will call him up with advice and opinions on issue, and says she knew from an early age that he'd be involved in politics. When she stopped by his local campaign launch, I had the opportunity to speak with her.

Dwight Ball reflects on family and politics with his mother

9 years ago

Duration 5:43

Dwight Ball reflects on family and politics with his mother

4. He's doesn't eat a lot

Throughout the day Ball is happy to keep going, and scarf down a granola bar or a yogurt instead of stopping for a big meal.  It's much to the chagrin of staff who sometimes have to ask for a break to get a proper meal.  During a stop for lunch break in Corner Brook, while other people were eating a hot turkey sandwich, complete with mashed potato and vegetables, Ball was happy with a bowl of soup.

5. He doesn't have great rhythm

It's a skill you look for more in the front man for a band than a political party, but you'd be surprised how often having a little aptitude for music can help on the campaign trail. Ball, though, isn't great at following a beat.

It didn't stop him from getting up and doing the two-step at a seniors home in Corner Brook.

You won't catch him picking up any musical instruments in this campaign though.  

NunatuKavut gave him a traditional Inuit drum last week after a meeting. Several members of the group called out to him to play it but to the relief of his staff, he didn't put on a show. I'm told it wouldn't have been pretty.