Knoxville (WVLT) - He's starred in "Old School" and the "Wedding Crashers," but Thursday night, he makes a cameo appearance in person at the Knoxville Convention Center before more than 900 Democrats.

Political analyst James Carville talks about politics, marriage and advice for Republicans.

James Carville gained national attention as the lead strategist for president Bill Clinton. Since then, he's co-hosted Crossfire on CNN and currently hosts XM's weekly show 60/20 sports. Coming to Big Orange Country was hard for this Ragin' Cajun. He's still sour about the Lady Vols' victory over LSU last month.

"Y'all beat us by one point in the semi final, so I was a little disappointed about that," Carville said.

But Thursday night, it was about being a Democrat, and he had a strong message for Republicans.

"One word of advice for Republicans - panic. Just get out to hell with everything just jump," Carville said.

He recently took heat from the Clinton campaign for admitting Barack Obama may win the Democratic nod for the White House, but Thursday he wouldn't say Hillary's completely out of the race.

"Do you think Clinton can pull it off?" Lauren Davis asked.
"I hope she can. She's the underdog, but we've still got some votes to count let's see what happens," Carville said.

Carville is married to Republican political pundit Mary Matalin who worked for president George H.W. Bush on his 1992 re-election campaign and counselor to vice president Dick Cheney. He says there's one thing that makes this opposite union work.

"Hahaha, we try not to argue about politics," Carville said.

And the Democrats who paid 60 dollars a plate to see him were thrilled. They couldn't wait to see the bombastic political commentator.

"He doesn't hesitate to tell you what he thinks," Democrat Harold Jernigan said.

That's what makes this Liberal icon one of the most recognizable figures in U.S. politics.

The money raised from the Truman Day Dinner will go toward the local Democratic Party for Knox County Candidates.