Partisan Pen Colors

US News and World Report's Paul Bedard had an interesting observation about James Carville and Mary Matalin's appearance on CNN's State of the Union with John King on Sunday:

They are such opposites in politics, clashing so often on candidates and policies, that it's not crazy to wonder if James Carville and Mary Matalin's show isn't just an act. After all, how can two people who disagree on almost everything political—to the degree of working against each other—have what they and their friends call a strong marriage?

Well, yesterday on CNN's State of the Union, the degree of both their differences and their warmth toward each other was on stage. And the details suggested that it's not just a show. Take the pens both used to take notes. Republican Matalin's was red. Democrat Carville's was blue. And CNN tells Whispers that they didn't plan it that way.

Then, after a tussle over Sarah Palin, Carville reacted sweetly when his wife noted that the controversial Newsweek cover shot of Palin in her jogging outfit at least showed a good-looking politician. "You can agree on this," said Matalin. "She looked good in it, right?" Without hesitation, he said, "She does. Ain't no doubt about that. You and her are the two best-looking women in the Republican Party."

Source: US News & World Report, Washington Whispers, November 23, 2009

CNN has posted the video clip of the discussion: Strategists Size Up Palin:

Matalin's column about Palin's book (mentioned in the video clip), can be found on CNN.com: Sarah Palin's publishing and political worlds in collision

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