James Carville offers to debate Steve Bannon on Charlie Kirk, even at Turning Point USA event
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville challenged former Trump adviser Steve Bannon to a public debate, saying he was willing to face the conservative commentator "anytime and any place."
Carville issued the challenge during the latest episode of his 'Politics War Room' podcast on Thursday, December 25, after Bannon criticized Carville’s recent remarks dismissing the cultural impact of conservative activist Charlie Kirk compared with filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Carville said he was prepared to debate the issue publicly, including before conservative audiences.
"I’ll do it in front of Turning Point, I don’t give a s**t," Carville said, referencing Turning Point USA, the conservative organization associated with Kirk.
James Carville targets Steve Bannon's hygiene habits
While extending the debate offer, Carville also used humor to mock Bannon personally.
During the podcast, Carville joked about maintaining physical distance from Bannon, making repeated references to what he described as Bannon’s poor hygiene.
"We got to be at least six feet apart, because there’s an Eighth Amendment in this country," Carville said, adding that it prohibits "cruel and unusual punishment."
He then sprayed cologne on himself and joked about his appearance, continuing the exchange in a lighthearted tone.
James Carville rejects comparisons between Charlie Kirk and Rob Reiner
The exchange traces back to Carville’s remarks last week about the cultural influence of Kirk and Reiner, both of whom were killed earlier this year in unrelated incidents.
Carville said that he objected to comparisons between the two figures, arguing that Reiner’s impact on American culture far exceeded Kirk’s political activism.
"I don’t want anybody to get shot… young kids, I hate that," Carville said. "But for God’s sake, don’t dare compare Charlie Kirk to Rob Reiner."
He said the proposed debate would focus on what he described as the relative cultural significance of each figure in American history.
Debate instead of a duel
Carville framed the proposed debate as a constructive alternative to conflict.
"We don’t do things by duel in this country," he said. "What we do is we do things by debate."
He added that he would not require compensation to participate and would attend any venue Bannon selected.
"I will show up. You don’t have to pay me anything," Carville said.
James Carville jokes about Steve Bannon’s layered shirts
Carville ended the segment with additional humor aimed at Bannon’s appearance, referencing his tendency to wear multiple-layered shirts.
"I’d also request that we have a four-shirt limit," Carville said, adding that he would not walk out if Bannon chose to wear more.
Before concluding, Carville quoted a line associated with Reiner’s film 'A Few Good Men', directing it at Bannon.
"The truth of the matter is, Mr Bannon, you can’t handle the truth," Carville said. "See you wherever you want."
