If it was a presidential debate, I'd say the polls would be clear-cut today. Gary Bettman's and Bob Goodenow's appearances on CBC this week certainly were political, although it technically wasn't a debate since they were separately moderated by Peter "Making the Haircut" Mansbridge.

Both have the unenviable task of arguing on behalf of groups that are on different planets - from each other as well as hockey fans. Call it out-of-touch-with-reality TV, but Bettman won that showdown hands down.

Not that it makes him Mr. Wonderful. Just that compared to Goodenow, he came across as somebody you'd invite to your backyard barbecue. The way Goodenow looks and acts, it'd be like having the Grim Reaper as your accountant.

From a public relations angle - which this battle has become - that's significant.

Both sides are wrong, of course. The owners caused this mess, but the players now look like pampered movie stars who don't care that the movie we've paid to see is lame-o.

On the big-picture sports scene, the NHL is a UPN sitcom, not an Oscar contender. It's pickups and beer, not limousines and champagne. Fundamental foundations these boys have forgotten.

Which leads to the CFL.

You shouldn't deny athletes for making as much as they can. It's a physically pounding way to make a living. One that can effect you long past playing days. But so is oil-rigging. Or mining. Wrenching on vehicles. Whatever.

But that's one of the reasons good ol' three-down Tundra-ball is making a comeback: we can relate.

These guys are working-class heroes.

Russ Jackson was the star quarterback of the CFL - a Canadian to boot - who led my beloved Ottawa Rough Riders to Grey Cup titles. He was also the principal at my brother's high school.

CFLers aren't bowling for a bazillion dollars. They're working for a living.