Photograph of Carville courtesy of the Hill.

James Carville, the colorful, quotable, irascible political consultant and commentator has accepted a new gig as a columnist for the Hill newspaper. The timing is good. We’re about to sashay into the midterm elections, which involve the full House and 33 seats in the Senate.

In a phone conversation, Carville said, “I had a good time with my first column,” which is on the front page of the newspaper and online. “It’s got an old kind of Washington touch to it.” As for the political season ahead, he says, “I would describe me right now as a little more optimistic than your average Democrat, and there’s reason to be.”

“James’s voice is among the most recognized in politics,” says Hugo Gurdon, editor-in-chief of the Hill. “We are so pleased to include his unique take on current affairs. James will be an ideal complement to our diverse and prominent line-up of contributors.”

Carville, a Democrat, is married to Mary Matalin, a Republican political consultant and commentator. They divide their time between homes in New Orleans and Alexandria. Whatever Carville’s other allegiances, at the very least he keeps season tickets to the Washington Nationals—though he says, “I am a little disappointed in them this year.”