Mary loves Skeletor

By Jennifer J. Foster

Published: September 21, 2009

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know that I have two favorite political commentators.

James Carville is tops in my book.

I don’t often agree with his positions on issues, but when it comes to framing an argument and articulating it forcefully, there’s no one better than The James.

CNN uses Carville on a regular basis. And because CNN producers know great TV when they see it, they also employ GOP strategist Mary Matalin ...

... Who just happens to be Mrs. The James.

I LOVE to watch them spar about politics. He interrupts her and steps all over her lines, and she gets so exasperated with him that at times it seems that she can barely contain her contempt for him.

But as anyone who has ever been married knows, there are times when the line between love and contempt can be ... well, fine. (Right, honey?)

Many folks wonder how James and Mary can have a successful marriage when they so often, and so boldly, break the No. 1 rule of good social graces: Don’t talk politics. The Carvilles don’t just talk politics. They live it.

So what keeps them together?

We are used to seeing them engaged in full-on debate. But we don’t often to view their relationship without that political lens.

Check out this clip from yesterday’s “State of the Union” with CNN anchor John King.

Mary is braggin’ on her man.