Python plain text converter?

[dromedary]

Does anyone know if Python can strip the nasty formatting codes from
documents in, say, Word or QPS? I'd like to write a small batch
processor that will grab a bunch of files and covert them to text only
format for manipulation using regular expressions. Unfortunately I
can't figure out how to get rid of the nasty codes (e.g., ¿). Any
assistance appreciated.

Jon