James Carville and Mary Matalin to Speak at Colorado State University May 6

Note to Editors: Reporters are welcome to cover the event. For media credentials or to receive photos of James Carville and Mary Matalin, call June Greist at (970) 491-1194.

America’s most well-known, politically diverse couple, Mary Matalin and James Carville, will speak at Colorado State University May 6 as part of "Bridges to the Future: American History and Values in Light of Sept. 11th." Carville and Matalin’s presentation is sponsored by the Bohemian Foundation.

Mary Matalin, former assistant to President Bush and counselor to Vice-President Cheney, and James Carville, political consultant and co-host of CNN’s "Crossfire," will lecture at 7 p.m. in Colorado State University’s Moby Arena. The event is free and open to the public, but advance tickets are required. Tickets will be available beginning March 26 by phone at (970) 491-6444, online at bridgestothefuture.us or in person at Campus Information Services in the Lory Student Center.

"Bridges to the Future" is a statewide project co-sponsored by Colorado State and the University of Denver to encourage exploration and greater understanding of American history and values. The collaboration aims to create a framework of quality programs and stimulating engagements to inspire the communities of Colorado to remember, to understand and to renew or reframe fundamental public value commitments.

"Our primary aim with ‘Bridges to the Future’ has been to inspire thoughtful, respectful discussion of issues and ideals that are important to all members of our society – and to remind us of our responsibility, as citizens, to analyze, question and debate our nation’s course," said Colorado State University President Albert C. Yates. "Over this year, ‘Bridges’ has featured speakers of dramatically opposing viewpoints and experiences, all of whom share a passion for this country, its history and its values. James Carville and Mary Matalin provide an extraordinary example of how people of very different perspectives can find common ground and shared values – and because of this, their presentation seems like an ideal way to conclude the year."

During the May 6 event, Matalin and Carville will discuss their values and how these values have impacted their lives, views and political involvement. They also will discuss how they have bridged gaps in their own household and will offer insight into bridging the gaps in a divided community, state and nation.

Before joining the Bush/Cheney White House, Matalin hosted CNN’s critically acclaimed debate show, "Crossfire." She is the former founding co-host of the Washington-based political weeknight talk show, "Equal Time," which premiered in May 1993 on CNBC. She served as co-host until shortly after the 1996 national political conventions. Her political astuteness and antics contributed to the show’s being called "the best talk show on television" by Knight Rider News Service.

Matalin has made frequent television appearances as a political commentator, and has written for various periodicals including Newsweek and The Los Angeles Times. Matalin also co-authored the best-selling political campaign book "All’s Fair: Love, War and Running for President" with her husband, Carville, who was the chief campaign strategist for Clinton/Gore in 1992.

Carville is America’s best-known political consultant. His long list of electoral successes evidences a knack for steering overlooked campaigns to unexpected landslide victories and for re-making political underdogs into upset winners.

Carville’s winning streak began in 1986 when he managed the gubernatorial victory of Robert Casey in Pennsylvania. In 1991, Carville drew national attention when he managed Senator Harris Wofford from 40 points behind in the polls to an upset landslide over former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh. With the startling and unpredicted Wofford win, Carville had exposed the political vulnerability of George Bush, who had been enjoying 91 percent approval ratings during the Gulf War.

In 1991, Carville guided Bill Clinton to the Presidency in 1992. In 1993, Carville was honored as Campaign Manager of the Year by the American Association of Political Consultants for his leadership of Clinton’s "War Room" at campaign headquarters in Little Rock.