Carville cites Pooh for inspirational message in convocation speech

By Blaine P. Friedlander Jr.

Advising some 3,800 graduating Cornell seniors to be prepared for a world of adversity, James Carville evoked a mantra from the magical world of A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh during his Senior Convocation speech, May 24 in Barton Hall.

When the co-host of CNN's political debate program, "Crossfire," was introduced as a strategist for Bill Clinton and other Democrats, there was an enthusiastic round of applause. When it was mentioned that Carville is married to Republican strategist and George Bush appointee Mary Matalin, there was an equally enthusiastic cheer.

Posing for a picture with Senior Convocation speaker and political strategist James Carville, center, are, from right, Latoya Green-Smith '03, Arts and Sciences; Lynell Davis '03, Human Ecology; and Lynell's friend, Erika Butler. Carville was attending a reception in the Memorial Room of Willard Straight Hall following Convocation, May 24. Robert Barker/University Photography

Carville told the graduates, teetering on the verge of becoming alumni, that tough times lie ahead for them, but that their success will depend on how they face it. "There's no sense in pretending you don't face adversity ahead ... but it ain't all bad," he said. "When you learn to accept and deal with it, you'll have happiness in your life."

Carville described how he came up with the message he was imparting. "I was facing another graduation speech [for his alma mater, Louisiana State University] a few years ago, and I wondered what I would say to that class," Carville said. "I had been watching a Winnie-the-Pooh movie with my 2-year-old daughter," he explained, "and there was some crisis in the Hundred Acre Wood." To help Pooh face his fear, he related, Christopher Robin told his friend, "You're stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and braver than you believe."

Sooner or later, Carville told the students they will undoubtedly face a moment of fear, whether it comes while waiting on a job interview, facing personal failure or what seems an insurmountable obstacle, or burying a parent. "At that moment that fear is too great," Carville said, "I want you to close your eyes and go to that Hundred Acre Wood. And I want you to think: you're stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and braver than you believe."

Prior to the Convocation address, Nicole Manning and Carl Jones Jr., the Class of 2003 alumni co-presidents, presented the university with a check $49,335.78 for a Class of 2003 scholarship. The seniors pointed out that more than 34 percent of the class had donated to the class gift.

At the close of the ceremony, Susan Murphy, vice president for student and academic services, congratulated the graduating class and reflected on their changing world. Pointing out that they have endured fears of domestic and international terrorism and war, she said, "Truly, you have faced a very different world than the one that existed when you entered in the fall of 1999."

And Murphy praised them for their many accomplishments and the successful completion of their Cornell journey. "Your time here, indeed, has been a voyage of discovery that has opened your heart and your mind in many ways," she said.

During a news conference earlier in the afternoon in Statler Hall, senior Briana Collins, an intern with Cornell News Service, asked Carville if he knew who would replace Ari Fleischer, press secretary for President George Bush. (Fleischer had announced in late May that he would resign from his position to work in the private sector.) "I can't remember," Carville answered, "but I know who would know." He then reached for his cell phone and called his wife. While he waited, in vain, for his wife to answer, Carville quipped: "She's on another call. I guess she'll have to put [Vice President] Dick Cheney on hold."

During the media session, Carville covered the political landscape, from his point of view. He noted that since the war in Iraq has all but ended, President Bush's popularity has dropped 10 to 15 points in the polls. And he said that Americans are feeling pinched by this economy and that fact would make the 2004 presidential election more opportune for Democrats. 'The situation is more dire than it was in 1992 [when Bill Clinton first ran for president]. ... This administration is more reckless than the 12 years of Republican rule before Clinton," he argued.