Apple or potato?

So is Stephen Harper a fruit or vegetable?

The prime minister was stumped by the question during a Tuesday stop in Winnipeg.

Harper was at a produce warehouse to announce a cut to the federal excise taxes on diesel and aviation fuels. With the prime minister standing against a backdrop of open crates of cucumbers, cauliflower, onions and potatoes, a local television reporter took advantage of the setting to pose his question.

"This is a question that is on aptitude tests and job applications. If you were a vegetable, what type of vegetable would you be and why?" he asked.

Harper laughed, turned and looked at the vegetables behind and conceded he was likely on dangerous ground for a politician.

"Um. I really don't know how to answer that one. I've never been asked that question before and I have a feeling I can't win by answering that question," he said.

"I would choose, if I had to, instead to be a fruit, just what I am - sweet and colourful," he said to the applause and laughter of his audience.

From Bruce Campion-Smith

Comments

[Fred Wells]

I do not think Harper should call himself a fruit. That just won't sell in Alberta.

[Stewart McEachern]

Mr Harper should have called himself a plum. A plum dried can turn into a prune. He changes his character persona from one day to the next sweet gentle Family man one day to calling people thieves like he did with Goodall in thr last election the next day and allowing staff to let out campaign ads like the Dion puffin incident. He only appologized when the polls and public comment became enraged about his rude methods. Not sweet and gentle, presently just interested in winning a Majority in this election.