FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The most famous couple in political consulting and commentary are set to bring both sides of the liberal vs. conservative debate to the University of Arkansas this month as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series.

James Carville and Mary Matalin will talk about their experiences and their beliefs in “All’s Fair: Love, War and Politics,” at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at Barnhill Arena.

Carville and Matalin are political experts and Washington insiders; between them they’ve advised every U.S. president for the past 25 years. Together they’ve become one of the most influential “power couples” inside the Beltway. They’ve both been hosts of CNN’s Crossfire, they’ve written several books and co-written a best seller, and explored the world of politicians, lobbyists and consultants on the HBO series “K Street.”

Beyond that they don’t have much in common. Carville is an outspoken liberal; Matalin is a no-nonsense conservative. She’s a Yankee from Illinois; he’s the “Ragin’ Cajun” from Louisiana. He ran Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign all the way to the White House; she was deputy campaign manager for the man Clinton defeated, President George H.W. Bush.

Matalin and Carville got married anyway.

They’ve both said they don’t talk politics at home. They have two daughters.

Their lecture, “All’s Fair: Love, War and Politics,” promises to be a frank look at behind-the-scenes politics, and an engaging and entertaining debate of the hottest political issues in this Congressional election year. 

The lecture is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.

The Distinguished Lecture Series is supported by student activity fees, the Associated Student Government and the University of Arkansas. Past lecturers have included Robert Redford, Benazir Bhutto, Ehud Barak, James Earl Jones and Dave Barry.