MADISON, NJ (January 13, 2000) -- James Carville, the colorful political consultant who has managed more political campaigns than anyone in U.S. history, will be speaking at The Drew Forum on Thursday, February 24, 2000 at 8:00 p.m..  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling (973) 408-3776.  The lecture will be held in the William E. and Carol G. Simon Forum and Athletic Center.

Carville’s speech, which will come at a critical point during the primary campaigns for the Presidency, will be entitled, “James Carville Looks at American Politics.”

Carville started his political career as a consultant to Democrats running for state and local offices in Louisiana. He managed his first campaign, a U.S. Senate race in Virginia, in 1982. The following year, while managing Lloyd Doggett's unsuccessful bid for governor of Texas, he acquired the nickname “Rajun Cajun” and began his professional collaboration with Paul Begala.   The two teamed in 1989 and formed the Carville & Begala political consulting firm, specializing in strategy, message development, “earned media,” and above all, winning elections for Democrats.

Carville & Begala's biggest win was Bill Clinton's election 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 fearsome and intense Little Rock campaign headquarters, known as the “War Room.” This role also made him the focus, along with George Stephanopoulos, of the feature-length documentary film The War Room, an Academy Award nominee. He is currently serving as a senior political advisor to the president.

Carville, along with his wife Mary Matalin, wrote All’s Fair: Love, War and Running for President, the best-selling political memoir  in American history. His’ second book, We’re Right, They’re Wrong, made it to number one on The New York Times best-seller list.  His third, And The Horse He Rode In On – The People v. Ken Starr, was released in October, 1998

The Drew Forum is dedicated to introducing world-renowned leaders to Drew University and the surrounding community.  The Forum is also designed to raise funds for scholarships for Drew University students.  In the past, The Drew Forum has hosted speakers like Presidents George Bush and Gerald Ford, Shimon Peres, General Colin Powell, Leah Rabin, Mike Wallace, Henry Kissinger, Barbara Bush, Cokie Roberts, and Bill Bennett.

Individuals needing special assistance should contact the Department of Housing, Conferences, and Hospitality at (973) 408-3103 at least five working days before the event to ensure appropriate arrangements. For more information, call (973) 408-3776.