Childhood and Education Journey of James Carville in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of James Carville. A timeline of key moments.

James Carville is an American Democratic political consultant and pundit. He is known for his frequent appearances on cable news programs, podcasts, and public speeches, where he provides commentary and analysis on U.S. elections and political events.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

October 25, 1944: Birth of James Carville

On October 25, 1944, Chester James Carville Jr., was born. He is an American political consultant, author, and occasional actor.

Others born on this day/year

1962: Graduation from Ascension Catholic High School

In 1962, James Carville graduated from Ascension Catholic High School in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

1962: Attended Louisiana State University

In 1962, James Carville started attending Louisiana State University (LSU).

1966: Enlistment in the United States Marine Corps

In 1966, James Carville enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

1966: Expelled from LSU

In 1966, James Carville was expelled from Louisiana State University (LSU) after accumulating 56 hours' worth of Fs.

1968: End of Marine Corps Enlistment

In 1968, James Carville completed his two-year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, having attained the rank of corporal. He was stationed stateside at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California.

1969: Santos Undergraduate Studies at University of Kansas

In 1969, Juan Manuel Santos began his undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas.

1970: Earned Bachelor of Science Degree

In 1970, James Carville earned his Bachelor of Science degree in general studies from LSU at night.

1973: Earned Juris Doctor Degree

In 1973, James Carville earned his Juris Doctor degree from LSU.

1973: Santos graduates from the University of Kansas

In 1973, Juan Manuel Santos graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in economics and business.

1975: Coup in Honduras

In 1975, General Juan Alberto Melgar Castro seized power in a coup, removing then president Oswaldo López Arellano.

1977: Ghani Master's Degree

In 1977, Ashraf Ghani earned his master's degree from Columbia University.

1978: Harper's son shot and killed

In 1978, John Harper's son was shot and killed by Franklin County, Ohio, police during a pharmacy robbery.

1981: Santos Earns Master's Degrees and Fulbright Fellowship

In 1981, Juan Manuel Santos returned to the U.S. as Fulbright visiting fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and also earned a master's degree from Harvard Kennedy School.

1988: Santos Lectures as Nieman Fellow at Harvard University

In 1988, Juan Manuel Santos lectured as a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.

October 1993: Marriage to Mary Matalin

In October 1993, James Carville married political consultant Mary Matalin in New Orleans. They have two daughters together.

1994: Democrats Gain Control of Congress

Democrats won control of both houses of Congress for the first time since the 1994 election.

November 1997: Flores Faced Melgar

In November 1997, Carlos Flores faced Nora Gúnera de Melgar in the general election.

1997: Remarks on Paula Jones lawsuit

In 1997, in response to Paula Jones' civil lawsuit against Bill Clinton, James Carville made a controversial remark about trailer parks.

1999: Defamation lawsuit by Gennifer Flowers

In 1999, Gennifer Flowers sued James Carville and George Stephanopoulos for defamation of character.

January 2000: Mahuad forced from office

In January 2000, Jamil Mahuad was forced from office in a military coup following demonstrations by Ecuadorians.

2000: Hillary Clinton named as defendant in lawsuit

In 2000, Gennifer Flowers added Hillary Clinton as a defendant in her defamation suit against James Carville and George Stephanopoulos.

December 2001: De la Rúa resigned

In December 2001, Fernando de la Rúa resigned during the riots, and Adolfo Rodríguez Saá was appointed president.

2001: Special prime ministerial election

In 2001, Ehud Barak called a special prime ministerial election.

April 2002: Unsuccessful coup attempt

In April 2002, there was an unsuccessful coup attempt in Venezuela.

2004: Federal court dismisses lawsuit

In 2004, a federal district court dismissed Gennifer Flowers' defamation case against James Carville and others.

2005: Teaching at Northern Virginia Community College

In 2005, James Carville taught a semester of "Topics in American Politics" at Northern Virginia Community College, inviting guests such as Al Hunt and George Stephanopoulos.

2006: Dismissal of lawsuit affirmed

In 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit affirmed the lower court's dismissal of Gennifer Flowers' defamation case against James Carville and others.

2008: Relocation to New Orleans

In 2008, James Carville and Mary Matalin relocated their family from Virginia to New Orleans.

2010: Secret Discussions toward a Peace Treaty

For several months in 2010, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in secret discussions with Syria toward a peace treaty based on a full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights.

2014: Mahuad convicted of embezzlement

In 2014, an Ecuadorian court convicted Jamil Mahuad, in absentia, of embezzlement during his time in office.

January 2018: Joining Faculty at Louisiana State University

In January 2018, James Carville joined the faculty of Louisiana State University's Manship School of Mass Communication.

October 2018: Response to Graham's reference to "trailer park" comment

In October 2018, James Carville responded to Lindsey Graham referencing his "trailer park" comment during the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, stating it was a joke and he was complimented by its use.

May 2021: Sale of New Orleans House

In May 2021, James Carville sold his house in Uptown New Orleans and temporarily relocated to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He later moved back into New Orleans in June of 2021, but continues to own his house in Bay St. Louis.