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.

Commentary: Fanciful gifts for Kentucky politicians, a 45-year-old tradition

In a decades-old holiday tradition, Al Cross hands out imaginary Christmas gifts to Kentucky political figures, using wit and current events to make pointed observations about power and accountability.

By Al Cross

Kentucky Republicans push back against threat to free speech

The pushback of several Kentucky Republicans, among others, likely led to the reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel’s show, writes journalist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Commentary: We need calm, compelling voices from the middle — and we all have a role to play

"American public discourse is now driven by opinion, not by facts, largely because of social-media platforms that favor opinion and use secret algorithms that promote the most provocative views to compete in the new 'attention economy,'" writes Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Commentary: Can Beshear hit ‘big-league pitching’ in possible White House bid?

Andy Beshear's recent stop in South Carolina "gave the clearest idea yet of what a campaign for the White House would look like" for the Kentucky governor, writes columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Elected Republicans fear Trump, Musk, money and voters

GOP members of Congress, including some from Kentucky, follow House leadership advice to note have in-person, town-hall meetings that could put them on the defensive, writes columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

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