Al Cross

Al Cross is professor emeritus of journalism at the University of Kentucky. He was the longest-serving political writer for the Louisville Courier Journal (1989-2004) and national president of the Society of Professional Journalists in 2001-02. He joined the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame in 2010. The NKyTribune is the home for his commentary which is also offered to other publications.

Three heroes, 80 years ago this week, echo today

The three Americans all fought in France in January 1945. One soon died of his wounds, another found fame and fortune, and the other’s heroism was almost unknown until after his death.

By Al Cross

Commentary: Jimmy Carter and his influence on Kentucky

One landmark of Carter’s term was ratification of the treaty giving the Panama Canal to Panama. Kentucky’s U.S. senators, both Democrats, split on ratification; Wendell Ford voted against it, while Dee Huddleston voted for it.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Holiday ‘gifts’ for Kentucky political figures, a 44-year tradition continued

Kentucky political columnist Al Cross keeps a longtime holiday tradition going.

By Al Cross

Commentary: Robert Gable’s death is a call for truth bells to ring

A moment in the 1975 Kentucky gubernatorial debate helps illustrate the devolution of Gable's party and American politics at large, writes columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

McConnell’s influence goes underground

McConnell is the most prominent anti-Trump Republican, one who endorsed the former president only because he felt obliged to do so as Senate GOP leader, writes Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Commentary: Trump’s win puts Beshear firmly in the hunt for 2028

If Kamala Harris had won, Beshear's presidential ambitions would have been deferred beyond 2028 — not good for a governor whose term ends in December 2027, writes political columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

‘The Price of Power:’ A long, objective look at Mitch McConnell by a veteran D.C. journalist

Michael Tackett's new book about Kentucky's longest-serving U.S. senator adds much to our knowledge of an important figure who is not well understood, writes Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Auditions on the national and Kentucky stage

Following the Fancy Farm Picnic and Gov. Andy Beshear being passed up for vice president on the Harris ticket, columnist Al Cross takes a look at the prospects for several leading politicians in Kentucky.

By Al Cross

At Marshall County Republican dinner, one speaker stood out for his message

Marty Barrett, a county magistrate and the vice chair of the Marshall County GOP, spoke at an event prior to the Fancy Farm Picnic and said he disagrees with the personal attacks often heard in politics today.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Beshear sees a path, running through Vance

Gov. Andy Beshear aggressively auditioned for the job of vice president by tearing into his would-be opposite: Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Biden debacle brings Beshear forward

Gov. Andy Beshear gets mentioned in any Top 10 list of possible replacements, and sometimes in a Top 5, but is not yet a major player like the governors of Michigan and Pennsylvania, two states Democrats need and could carry, unlike Kentucky, and other governors of larger states, writes columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

The political life and lessons of George L. Atkins Jr.

"Atkins used the authority of the auditor’s office in a way that none of his predecessors had, exposing shady deals in the administration of Democratic Gov. Julian Carroll, and that was the basis of his campaign" for governor, writes political columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross