Hi Tom,

Carville is almost insanely rabid that is true. But an effective debater can debate ANYONE, and just like when sizing up a fighting opponent, one uses their favorite tactics or, in this case, debating style against them.

To debate Carville - you simply let him interrupt or overtalk you as he is inclined to do. Each time he starts to do this, you say something memorable like "after you your excellency" and stop talking. Do this enough times and his favorite tactic falls much flatter. Then if the debate is televised you sit patiently - it is very important not appear agitated at all and wait for him to finish his rants.

By the time the debate is over you can still get in a few key points while making him look like the biggest a-- on earth.

Don't get into a barking contest with a mad dog - it just brings you down to the dog's level.

Chirac could easily make Le Pen's one-liners fall flat and backfire - by simply being a very dignified statesman.

No one likes a verbal bully and will always sympathize with the polite underdog.

At least thats my take,

SDAI-Tech1