Kevin Rudd has been called a “bastard” after disrupting a senior citizens function in Tasmania today.
In an attempt to join the Devonport senior citizens club 43rd birthday celebrations, Rudd, his wife Therese, Labor candidate for Braddon Sid Sidebottom, and a full press pack entered the club earlier this afternoon.
But the timing was bad, interrupting a choral performance.
Two of the performers stormed off stage mid-song. When the song was over, local senior David Vowles confronted Rudd.
"You spoiled the party. You ignorant bastards," fumed Vowles.
Later, he said the appearance had politicised the event.
"That's all he's doing here - publicity," he said.
Rudd took responsibility for the gaffe, explaining that he thought the visit had been organised.
“Things never go completely smoothly in an election campaign,” he said.
Later he made amends, belting out a rendition of ‘Georgie Girl’ with the seniors. See it here.
Click on the video tab to see the awkward confrontation and a very angry accordian player.
Read Richard Famer's take on the visit, and what it says about election campaigns here.
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