Stephane Dion is one of the most curious figures in Canadian political history.

Clearly, he's a guy with a strong intellect. And yet it's mixed with a shyness that is unusual for politics. He's lousy at the feigned, macho stuff that infuses itself in so much of politics today.

When leadership qualities are measured, he's 20 points behind Stephen Harper, according to the Innovative Research Group's latest survey.

But I have also seen what happened today at TVO happen many times previously.  Dion emerged from our studio after taping our interview (which will air tonight) and suddenly, a throng of people in our office building just flocked to him.

These were not Liberal staffers or hangers-on. They were average citizens who obviously find something unthreatening and appealing about the guy --- so much so, they they surrounded him and started making small talk.

I have seen tourists on Parliament Hill do this too. So it makes me think that all those that say this election is already over are offering up a far too premature judgment.

I note in this morning's Globe and Mail that The Strategic Counsel, which is surveying public opinion in 45 battleground ridings across Canada, now has the gap between the Conservatives and the Liberals at three points.  A week ago, it was a 19 point lead for the Tories. Is something happening out there?

There's also evidence that Dion is starting to listen to advisors who have been telling him to improve his message.

For example, this morning, Dion announced the Liberal Party's infrastructure plans at the Go Station on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition (see pictures and video below). He opened with a joke:

"I always feel at home in Toronto," he quipped, "because you have so many people with English as a second language."

Dion's English has often been the butt of jokes. He has improved since becoming leader almost two years ago. But not enough for some. Thus, he now jokes about it before others can.

Dion also mentioned the names of Jean Chretien and Paul Martin, in suggesting that Liberals are more fiscally prudent than Conservatives. People have apparently been bugging Dion to mention the Liberals' strong record on deficit reduction since the campaign began.  Now he's doing it.

If you watch The Agenda tonight, you'll see Dion talk a bit about leadership, a bit about the campaign, and a LOT about The Green Shift.  

We made the decision to do that because numerous times on the hustings, I've had people come up to me and say, "I like Dion, I know he cares about the environment. But that Green Shift? I just don't get it."

Tonight, no soundbites. Just 19 straight uninterrupted minutes with the Liberal leader. Hope to see you at 8 or 11 pm.

To see some of today's events at the CNE, check out the pictures and video below:

A crowd of Liberal supporters looks on.

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion announces his program from a teleprompter.

The Liberal "team" announces its new infrastructure program at the Go Station at the CNE this morning.

Deputy Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff introduces Stephane Dion, as Toronto-Centre candidate Bob Rae looks on.