Something

    
def ensure_mode(m):
    for i in range(5):
        s.poll()
        if s.task_mode == m: return True
        if running(do_poll=False): return False
        c.wait_complete()
        c.mode(m)
        c.wait_complete()
        s.poll()
        if s.task_mode == m: return True
        time.sleep(.1)
        print "ensure_mode: looping"
    return False # failed (but is anybody watching?)