James Carville & Mary Matalin Discuss Upcoming Election

America’s political  “odd couple,” James Carville and Mary Matalin were the Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Educational Foundation Lecture Series speakers during the Annual Convention in October. 

“We love politics, we love policy, we love democracy, we love how it works, we do it around the world and it’s never not moving and inspiring to see people get themselves in the position to self govern and to vote in their government and to change their government,” said Matalin.

Matalin, who served in both Bush administrations, and Carville, who guided Bill Clinton to the White House, provided insights on the upcoming 2008 election.   

Matalin said people really are particularly interested in this cycle with 73% of those polled recently report they are very interested in following this race closely.

Hillary Clinton is clearly the front runner and stabilized her position, according to Matalin. “She’s not pulling away, but no one is catching up with her.  52% of Democratic primary voters attribute her characteristics as strength, experience, and education, which she needs as a woman running for the highest office in the land,” she said. 

The Republican side is clearly in flux, which makes it truly more interesting according to Matalin. “I think its time for them to reassert what their principles are.”

Rudy Giuliani has received the support of about 40% of social conservatives, who put security above other issues, she said. Giuliani is the steady front runner, but the field is in flux due to Fred Thompson‘s steady lead.  “He is receiving the greatest percentage of likely voters, however needs to make it clear to people that he can keep in that position.”

Mitt Romney has the best ground operation, and he has already spent $51 million on this race in an early state strategy.  McCain is making a comeback and has enough money to be effective. 

The speakers noted that this campaign is conducted in the information age which has an enormous but unpredicted impact on the race so far, Matalin noted. Fred Thompson received 2 million hits on his Web site for a video response to Michael Moore. 

“If the point of a campaign is to control your message, the internet and information age tools can get in the way or magnify it,” said Matalin. 

Matalin said it was important to become involved in the process, including through Political Action Committees.

“Bill (Newton) was saying he couldn’t solicit for the PAC, but I am going to solicit for the PAC. The way to make government change is to be heard.  PAC’s give you the economy of scale, all they do is open the door. Give early, give often, give a lot. Have your voices heard,” concluded Matalin.

Carville said he feels this election is more important than previous elections.  “This is the first election since 1940 where there hasn’t been an obvious Republican front runner.  This is the first election since 1928, with the exception of Eisenhower, that we haven’t had a sitting president or vice president, so that’s why it feels so different.   This is the first time we have the a credible woman, Hispanic, Italian and African American running for the presidency.  We have three cancer survivors running,” said Carville. He says as America changes, the presidential field changes, and the country is becoming more diverse.  

Carville said Obama is viewed as someone who is fresh, new and different and everyone understands him. The Democrats and many Independents contribute to this large emotional out pour. “All of the things that thrust Obama into prominence are still there and if he catches one he could very likely be a huge factor again. He needs to close the deal,” said Carville.

Carville and Matalin agree 2008 is a very unique and special year. Carville explains this race is the classic confrontation between inspiration and perspiration. Right now inspiration is drowning in perspiration. “I think anybody in this room regardless of your political persuasion, realizes (Hillary Clinton) is doing something and everyone else running is doing something else.  You look at her debates and general performance and she’s just better,” Carville said.

“So, who’s going to win the election? I will give you an honest answer. For the Democrats, there is really good news. We would have to talk our way out of this. (Voters) are very predisposed in our direction.  For the Republicans, I have really good news, as being a life long member of the Democratic party, I can assure you we are perfectly capable of doing that,” concluded Carville.