Hi, my name is Nick, and I’m addicted to Kentucky politics.
In a state where countless are addicted to fast horses, discerning bourbon, or a certain bucket of fried chicken, my addiction continues to roll pure and true with politics.
An addict is defined by Merriam-Webster as 1. One exhibiting a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity. 2. One strongly inclined to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly.
Like most addicts, I can vividly remember my first time. It was 1990 and coalition forces were about to go toe-to-toe with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. And I was about to become a political addict. My first hit was a television interview the following year, I talked about the Gulf War. While other kids were worried about baseball or recess I was concerned about geopolitics. I was a nerd then and still a nerd now. I have the horn rimmed glasses and cardigans to prove it.
I love covering politics in Kentucky. This place. The people. Politics in the commonwealth may as well be a blood sport. There’s a profound vigor and vitriol surrounding it. You know there’s bodies out there somewhere connected to it. But, there’s more than that. Politics is meaningful here. There’s a long tradition, people here pay close attention. We don’t need anyone to tell us the downfalls – we’re proud, not stupid. There’s a lot on the line here. That’s all the more reason you deserve people taking risks to bring you a look at what’s really happening here.
People have called me fearless because of my reporting in Kentucky. People have also called me far worse. I don’t listen to either group. I’m not perfect, and you’re welcome to your own opinion. I’ll go hard for stories that I think need to be told. That’s what I’m interested in. I’m interested in digging in on difficult stories. I’m interested in peeling back the layers and telling you why politicians are doing what they’re doing, and how that affects you. I’m interested in this place. I want to know why the generational problems exist and who to point the finger at.
I burned myself out the last time around. After 7 years on-air I walked out of my contract with cn|2 Pure Politics in August of 2018 as they transitioned their content. I went to work for the United States Department of Justice working inside government.
I really wanted to get a better understanding of federal law enforcement, and see how investigations truly shape up with federal prosecutors. I was in Louisville as the pandemic hit. Watched the city and state shutdown. I was there downtown as the boards went up over windows in response to rioting and civil unrest around calls for racial justice and equity in policing. I saw and learned a lot.
I resigned from the Department of Justice in January. I’m glad I took the time to learn, and through it I gained new perspective. There are a lot of really hard working, incredibly smart dedicated people inside government positions.
I’ve had this itch to start something of my own for some time, and like any true addict I’ll find a way to crawl back.
What can you expect from Kentucky Fried Politics? Hopefully some fun. I’ll still be factually accurate, but want more of my voice to come through – to find the ridiculousness and humor in all of it. I want this to be a resource, a place where we can call it like it is, we’ll share some rumors, dig in on investigations, close some accounts, do some analysis, pour a bourbon or an Ale 8 and get informed. I’ll be adding features and unique content as we go. Buckle up and…
Welcome to Kentucky Fried Politics.
Nick Storm
