"The reality is that when three or four networks are at the table with three or four political parties, someone is going to be the victim"

In this quote, Rick Mercer is highlighting the power dynamics at play in political negotiations. He recommends that when several networks and political celebrations are involved, there will inevitably be a power battle and someone will wind up being the "victim." This could refer to a smaller or less prominent party being eclipsed by larger ones, or a network being outmaneuvered by political gamers. Mercer is explaining the severe truth of politics, where alliances and power plays often determine the outcome of settlements. He is also indicating that there is typically a sense of winners and losers in these circumstances, with somebody eventually being left or disadvantaged.