Click here to download the audio (MP3) of James Carville’s speech. 
While audience members were waiting for political strategist and University alumnus James Carville to arrive Friday morning in the Journalism Building, the conversation fixated on his notable talk show appearances only days earlier, including stints on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Carville, whose political resume includes serving as political consultant on President Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign and co-hosting CNN’s “Crossfire,” made time to speak to about 300 University students, faculty and community members as a part of Student Government’s projectGEAUX. The program is themed “Democracy at Work” and aims to promote student political activism, public service and awareness.
Once Carville arrived at 10 a.m. dressed casually in jeans and white sneakers, he addressed the crowd with a 15-minute speech – switching between humorous anecdotes and serious political issues.
“I spent the best four years of my life here as a sophomore,” Carville said with a grin.
One comment that elicited laughter included a reference to Carville’s baldness.
“I like these Republicans in Congress talking about how corrupt we are in Louisiana. Give me a break,” Carville said. “Like me talking about how bald they are.”
Carville switched to a serious tone when he addressed the effects of Hurricane Katrina and criticized the federal government’s response to the disaster.
“What happened to most of New Orleans was a failure of negligence from the federal government,” Carville said. “I get so mad that I want to scream. They’re ignorant.”
Meagan Stewart, mass communication freshman from New Orleans, said Carville’s speech made her question the government’s actions.
“I kind of just wasn’t aware about everything that went on. It made me angry,” Stewart said. “We’re fighting a war overseas when there are so many problems here. It’s interesting to hear an insider from D.C.”
Carville also stressed the need for youthful political energy during such tumultuous times.
“We can no longer take the fact that we are the preeminent power in the world for granted,” Carville said. “There’s never been a time where there is a greater need for young people to be involved.”
Kacie Hampton, sociology and political science freshman, said she took Carville’s message to heart.
“He made me realize how much of an impact young adults can have on public policy and how important it is to be active in the political system,” Hampton said.
Jessica Perez, director of SG department of governmental relations, echoed Hampton’s statements.
“I was so glad to hear him stress active political roles,” Perez said. “He’s so humorous and so colorful. He appeals to young people.”
Ryan Berni, assistant director of the SG department of governmental relations who worked for Carville during the summer, said he was “pleasantly surprised” at the large crowd turnout.
“It was packed,” Berni said. “Hopefully this is the first of many successful events.”
Berni said he was responsible for “chauffeuring” Carville around Baton Rouge during the weekend and knew Carville’s humor would provide lively civic discussion.
“His jokes are just really funny,” Berni said.
After speaking, Carville opened the floor for about 30 minutes of audience members’ questions – ranging in topic from Carville’s relationship with his politically conservative wife to the perception of Louisiana in Congress.
“I was surprised that Carville wanted to leave a lot of time for questions and answers,” Hampton said. “Usually, speakers tend to throw it in at the end, but Carville seemed genuinely concerned about the questions that are on the minds of LSU’s students and faculty.”
 
Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]