Beazley expresses sympathy for the wrong Rove

[cal04]

FEDERAL Opposition Leader Kim Beazley has committed a major blunder, confusing grieving TV host Rove McManus with White House strategist Karl Rove.

McManus's wife, actor Belinda Emmett, was farewelled at a funeral in Sydney today after succumbing to cancer last weekend at the age of 32.

Mr Beazley began a press conference in Sydney today by expressing his sympathy - but to the wrong Rove.

"The first thing I want to say is this - today, our thoughts and the thoughts of many, many Australians will be with Karl Rove as he goes through the very sad process of burying his beloved wife," Mr Beazley said.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20773663-1702,00.html

[Matilda]

1. The embarrassing gaffe has called Beazley's leadership into question.

This isn't the first time that Beazley has appeared confused in public, and he's coming across as a
man who hasn't quite got his finger on the pulse.

There are denials about a possible challenge to his leadership, which generally can be taken to mean
that challengers are counting their numbers. The only viable possibility is Kevin Rudd,
the Opposition Spokesman for Foreign Affairs. It will happen; the only question is when - will
Labor wait until Howard defeats Beazley for the third time, or will we have a new Labor leader before
Christmas?

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/rebel-mps-push-for-rudd-to-lead-before-christmas/2006/11/18/1163266825913.html

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/knives-are-not-out-for-beazley-say-labor-mps/2006/11/19/1163871272111.html