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 political consultant, author, and occasional actor known for his work strategizing for political candidates both in the United States and internationally. As a prominent Democrat, he is a frequent commentator on U.S. elections, appearing on cable news, podcasts, and giving public speeches. He is a well-known pundit in U.S. politics.

Sections (5)

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

October 25, 1944: James Carville's Birth

On October 25, 1944, Chester James Carville Jr. was born. He is an American political consultant, author, occasional actor, and pundit who has strategized for candidates in the United States and abroad.

Others born on this day/year

1962: Attendance at Louisiana State University

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

1962: Graduation from Ascension Catholic High School

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

1966: Enlistment in the United States Marine Corps

In 1966, James Carville began a two-year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, where he was stationed stateside at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California.

1966: Departure from LSU

In 1966, James Carville left Louisiana State University (LSU) without graduating at that time.

1968: Arrest at Democratic National Convention

In 1968, Harris Wofford was arrested at the Democratic National Convention for disorderly conduct.

1968: End of Military Enlistment

In 1968, James Carville completed his two-year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, having attained the rank of corporal.

1969: Santos attends the University of Kansas

In 1969, Juan Manuel Santos, who would later become president of Colombia, began his undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas.

1970: Bachelor of Science Degree

In 1970, James Carville earned his Bachelor of Science degree in general studies at Louisiana State University (LSU).

1973: Juris Doctor Degree

In 1973, James Carville earned his Juris Doctor degree at Louisiana State University (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 1975, General Juan Alberto Melgar Castro seized power in a coup which removed then president Oswaldo López Arellano after his bananagate bribery scandal with United Fruit Company.

1977: Master's Degree

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

1978: John Harper's son shot

In 1978, John Harper confirmed that his son had been shot and killed by Franklin County, Ohio, police during a pharmacy robbery.

1981: Santos becomes Fulbright fellow and earns master's degree

In 1981, Juan Manuel Santos returned to the U.S. as a 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.

November 1984: Unemployment

In November 1984, after Doggett's defeat, James Carville was unemployed and without health insurance or money.

1988: Santos lectures at Harvard University

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

1992: Miller's Keynote Speech at the Democratic National Convention

In 1992, Zell Miller was a keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention.

November 1993: Marriage to Mary Matalin

James Carville married political consultant Mary Matalin in New Orleans in November 1993. Matalin had worked for Republican George H. W. Bush on his 1992 presidential reelection campaign. They have two daughters.

1994: Newsweek Feature

In a 1994 Newsweek feature, James Carville characterized himself as "something less than an attentive scholar" at LSU, accumulating 56 hours' worth of Fs before being "thrown out."

1999: Civil Suit Filed by Flowers

In 1999, Gennifer Flowers later brought a civil suit against James Carville related to allegations made in 1992.

December 2001: De la Rua Resigned

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

April 2002: Unsuccessful Coup Attempt

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

2004: Miller's Keynote Speech at the Republican National Convention

In 2004, Zell Miller was a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention.

2005: Carville teaches at Northern Virginia Community College

In 2005, James Carville taught a semester of "Topics in American Politics" at Northern Virginia Community College, inviting various prominent guests to speak to the class.

2008: Relocation to New Orleans

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

January 2018: Carville joins LSU faculty

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

May 2021: Sale of New Orleans House

In May 2021, James Carville sold his house in Uptown New Orleans. He temporarily relocated to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, before moving back into New Orleans in June of 2021. He still owns the Bay St. Louis house and frequents it, appearing from his living room in many cable news appearances.