December 22, 2025 • 26 mins
Congressman Massie lays out how he expects Friday's deadline to release the Epstein files will go, Bob Babbage and Trey Grayson go Inside Kentucky Politics with Renee Shaw, and a toy drive in Eastern Kentucky.
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(00:03):
>> In Washington DC you're
allowed to spin, spin spin and
lie lie lie. And we've seen him
do it before.
>> The Justice Department
releases some but not all of
the Jeffrey Epstein files.
>> So three of the biggest
thorns in the side of the
president are right here in
Kentucky.
>> We'll review the year in
(00:23):
Kentucky politics with Trey
Grayson and Bob Babbage.
>> On all SEC final is Kentucky
will play for a title.
>> And the UK volleyball teams.
Amazing season continues with a
win in the Final Four.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
(00:44):
part by the KET Millennium Fund.
>> Good evening and welcome to
Kentucky Edition for this
Friday, December the 19th. We
have made it to the weekend.
I'm Renee Shaw and we thank you
(01:05):
for starting off your weekend
with us. Today is the deadline
for the Trump administration's
Department of Justice to
release files about Jeffrey
Epstein, the convicted sex
offender known for his
connections to powerful
political and business figures.
On November 19th, Congress
passed legislation requiring
their release. And one month.
Well, today, December 19th, is
(01:27):
that deadline. The Justice
Department released some of the
files today around 4 p.m.
Eastern time, while promising
to release more in the coming
weeks. Some members of Congress
are already denouncing the
Justice Department for its
failure to release all of them.
Now, as required by the law,
Congressman Ro Khanna of
(01:47):
California is demanding a
timetable for the release of
the documents, and Kentucky
Congressman Thomas Massie, a
Republican from the fourth
district, is one of the leaders
of the movement to get the
files released yesterday,
Congressman Massie addressed a
question he's often asked.
>> How will you know if they've
released all the materials?
(02:07):
Well, one of the ways we'll
know is there are people who
have covered this case for
years, and I've talked to them
in private, and they know what
some of the material is that's
back there. But the other way
that we're going to know is the
victims lawyers have been in
contact with me, and
(02:27):
collectively, they know there
are at least 20 names of men
who are accused of sex crimes
in the possession of the FBI.
These would reside in the FD
302 forms. The FBI fills out
these forms to summarize or
memorialize what a witness gave
(02:50):
them. As far as testimony when
they interviewed with the FBI.
So if we get a large production
on December 19th and it does
not contain a single name of
any male who is accused of a
sex crime or sex trafficking or
rape or any of these things,
(03:10):
then we know they haven't
produced all the documents.
It's that simple.
>> Congressman Massie says he
will be on CBS News Face the
Nation this Sunday, and will
have more to say about The
Jeffrey Epstein Files. Time now
to go inside Kentucky Politics,
where we talk about some of the
big stories of the year 2025
(03:32):
and what we can expect a little
bit in 2026 with our good
friends, Trey Grayson and Bob
Babich. Happy holidays to you
gentlemen.
>> Happy holidays.
>> It's already here. Okay,
before we talk a little bit
about and the pants always have
to do Christmas year.
>> Bringing the spirit.
>> Yes, Bob and I could take
some lessons on how to do it
from next year. Next year we'll
get it right. So let's talk
(03:53):
about some of the big political
stories of the year. Give me
one. Trey Grayson.
>> You know, the McConnell
retirement and then the Senate
race to succeed him is probably
dominated. The political
headlines for the for the year.
You know, there's three primary
Republican candidates in that
race Daniel Cameron, former
attorney general, past
Republican nominee for governor,
(04:13):
current Congressman Andy Barr
from here in central Kentucky
and businessman Nate Morris.
And they've been vying for
fundraising and endorsements.
And Trump's attention. And then
on the Democratic side, there's
a ton of candidates, most
recently in the last couple of
weeks, we've had a couple of
the the last two nominees for
(04:34):
Senate on the Democratic side,
who lost Amy McGrath and
Charles Booker entered the race.
And I think there's like 7 or 8.
Dale Romans Dale Romans Dale
Romans got in. Pamela
Stephenson, state rep, was the
first kind of name in the race
and a couple first time
candidates.
>> Do we expect all of them to
hold? I mean, or there to be
more added? I mean, January,
what ninth is the candidate
(04:54):
filing deadline? So there's
still time for more to get in.
Bob Babbitt, are you hearing
anything?
>> Attack of a lot already.
That's a bunch of Democrats I'm
not sure anybody was looking
for this year to produce that
many rivals to the Republican
trio. Those three Republicans
have fought it out and spent a
ton of money this year already
(05:15):
trying to get an edge or an
angle. Trump endorsement would
matter tremendously. Some say
he won't do that at all, but
that's just speculation.
>> Does that still matter? Even
though his popularity numbers
seem to be an approval, numbers
seem to be on the decline.
>> I would say absolutely yes.
It matters.
>> Yeah. I think, you know,
whether you've seen the decline
as an independent and maybe
(05:35):
weaker Republicans, but the
folks who are going to vote in
May. Yeah, his his endorsement
matters still a great deal.
>> Yeah. So as we often say on
Kentucky Edition, there's not a
newscast that goes by where we
don't mention either. Thomas
Massie, Rand Paul, Mitch
McConnell, Brett Guthrie James
Comer. So once again, Kentucky
is punching above its weight
many and many times. But let's
talk about Massie, McConnell
(05:57):
and Rand Paul. What do they all
have in common?
>> So three of the biggest
thorns in the side of the
president are right here in
Kentucky. And actually, as a
fourth district resident, I
have Congressman Massie's, my
congressman, and obviously both
Senators Paul and McConnell
represent our state. So the
three of them, for different
reasons, have been going after
the president on various
different things. Massie, most
(06:19):
visibly, was the Epstein
discharge and also was a tough
vote early on for some of the
procedural matters for the one
big, beautiful bill, Senator
McConnell voted against a
couple of the early nominees,
RFK and I think maybe one more,
although of late has been more
quiet in his opposition to the
(06:40):
president on on matters I mean,
in general. First of all, all
three of these guys on 80 to
90% of their issues are aligned
with the president. But there's,
you know, they're high profile
times when they're not. And
Paul's been very outspoken
recently, especially with some
of the saber rattling, if you
will, of the administration. So
Trump actually spent several
months and his allies trying to
recruit a candidate against
(07:01):
Massie, and finally settled
upon Ed Gallrein, a businessman,
former Seal who narrowly lost
the state Senate race last year
to Aaron Reed. Gallrein that
Shelby County turns out in the
fourth district. Who knew? So
Shelby County, where Gallrein
lives, is so Gallrein will get
in that race and kind of be the
Trump proxy. So presumably have
plenty of money and resources.
(07:23):
Massie has been trying to raise
money after it. It should be
one of the most visible races
in the country, and I think
people will be watching to see,
because if Massie prevails, it
might give more courage to
Republicans when they disagree
with Trump to speak out. Most
recently this week, the
president had a really
unfortunate post about the
murder of Rob Reiner. Massie
(07:45):
spoke out actually, that one
got a lot of Republicans
speaking out. If Massie wins, I
think you'll maybe see a few
more things when the president
steps out of line and say, hey,
you know I like you, but not
here. But if Gallrein wins that
race, it'll be a signal to, hey,
don't mess around. Yeah, stay
in line. And so a lot of people
are going to be watching that
race.
>> Yeah. What do you think?
(08:05):
>> $1 billion to help
candidates that he wants to
help or work against people he
wants to work against? Just
this week, a billionaire came
out and said, whatever he does,
I'll do for Massie. So this
could be a multi multi-million
dollar race if it turns out to
be that kind of contest and the
outside money comes in to fight
(08:26):
it out. Massie is very well
connected and very popular in
his district. It will take a
heck of a race to beat him.
There could be a heck of a race
put on by Gallrein. That will
be national press probably
every day once we get, you know,
to warm weather for the balance
of the year, simply because it
will be so significant and so
(08:46):
very much will be read into it.
That's big. The Senate race is
big. Also in the coming year,
the governor's race starts to
shape up for 2027. We like to
run them early right earlier
and earlier, and we'll see
folks emerge or begin to
discuss possibilities there, or
any.
>> Spoiler alerts you want to
drop.
>> Right now. James Comer might
(09:07):
be James Comer.
>> Rocky.
>> Rocky Adkins, Lieutenant
Governor.
>> Lieutenant Governor
Jacqueline Coleman.
>> Yeah.
>> Maybe some others.
>> Yeah.
>> So, yeah, you know, when
we're gathered here on May 19th,
I think is the primary election
night. Yeah, a lot of people
will be watching the race.
They'll be watching that Senate
primary to see who emerges from
(09:29):
that. And also the sixth
district race. That's right.
Because Barr is running for
Senate. It opened up the sixth
district race here in central
Kentucky. Former state Senator
Ralph Alvarado, who resigned a
couple years ago to go to
Tennessee professionally, he
still lives in Clark County,
but he became the commissioner
of health down in Tennessee,
moved back home, jumped in the
race. State Rep Ryan Dodson,
(09:50):
also from Clark County. They're
both in the race. There's there
was another state rep, Deana
Gordon, who ran for a few
months but decided to stick
with her state rep seat just
recently. And then there's a
businessman as at least one
businessman who's jumped in the
race on the Republican side,
who's a first time candidate on
the Democratic side. Cherlynn
Stevenson seems to be, I think,
the the sort of the favorite.
(10:11):
But there are some other
Democrats in that race. That
race is one the Democrats could
win. You know, it's not as it's
not as purple as it used to be.
Some of that's through
redistricting, some of that's
just the decline of of
Democratic support in the rural
part of the district. I don't
think the Democrats especially,
we didn't mention Andy Beshear
in the context of the Senate
(10:31):
race because he's not going to
run for president. We'll talk
about that later. But the
Senate race is probably not
winnable. But the sixth
district race, if you know the
right political environment,
the right, you know, we'll just
we'll have to see how that
plays out.
>> Beshear did well in that
area. Yeah. And I think it's
extremely purple. And it's been
purple a long time almost all
my life. Go back to John C
Watts, who was the Democrat
(10:52):
Congress member for a long time.
Then Hopkins came.
>> It's gone back and forth,
right? Hopkins Chandler.
>> Several times. So we've had.
>> Watts, Hopkins, Baszler,
Chandler Barr.
>> If that's not a.
>> So it we're due right.
>> If that's not a district
that is unpredictable.
>> And Alvarado is making that
point, he thinks he's making
the case that he's a stronger
(11:12):
general election candidate than
Dodson. Dodson is more of a
social conservative. Alvarado
is pretty socially conservative,
too, so they're going to battle
it out. And but that's the case
that Alvarado is making that if
I'm the nominee, we have a
better shot at winning this
race.
>> The Democrat primary would
be good, though, and test those
candidates very well for that
fall race. They may come out
(11:37):
because they're well funded
with pretty good recognition,
pay a lot of attention to the
primary. We're going to have a
decent primary, probably not a
mob scene of turnout, but the
results on May 19th will be
very interesting. That evening
and the day after.
>> Yeah, we do have until June
January 9th to the filing
deadline. So we could have some
other folks jump into these
(11:58):
races. And the other thing,
it's the county election year.
So sometimes that drives
turnout as much as anything
else. Is the competitive race?
>> Absolutely, absolutely.
>> Let's talk a couple of years
from now, 2028. And getting
back to something you alluded
to just a moment ago, Governor
Andy Beshear and even U.S.
Senator Rand Paul could be
eyeing the presidency.
(12:18):
>> Yeah. So we know that pretty
confident President Trump is
not going to try to run for
reelection. I think the
Constitution is pretty clear on
that and that he's having some
fun with that. But regardless,
the Democratic side on that
race is definitely open. And
Governor Beshear has been
traveling the country kind of
trying out, if you will. He's
got a great post this year.
He's the chair of the
Democratic Governors
Association, which gives him an
(12:39):
excuse to go to states to meet
with donors to if it's a good
year for Democrats to take
credit for that. So he's he's
he's giving it his best shot.
If you look at some of the
national polling, he's
definitely in the back of the
pack. But there's a lane that
he's trying to occupy and widen,
which is in order to win, we
need to elect people who can
appeal to moderates and appeal
(12:59):
to independents. And I, as a
Democrat, did this in a red
state.
>> Red state.
>> Yeah. You know, and, you
know, we can talk for on the
show about how that's a little
bit of a simplistic explanation
of his political success, but
it does give him something
unique to talk about compared
to, say, Governor Newsom of
California and some of the
others. So that's what he's
trying to do. And, you know,
when the legislative session is
(13:20):
done, he will probably just
continue to crisscross the
country and give it his best
shot to try to to to be there.
And the beauty of it is for him,
if he's not the nominee, he'd
be well positioned to be a
running mate again. He was
under consideration last time.
Or if there were a Democratic
administration to lead an
agency or a cabinet secretary
or something like that.
>> Anything else?
>> Feedback is he sounds good.
(13:41):
He makes a good impression. He
sounds right.
>> People had a Vogue spread.
>> And yeah, who would have
thought that?
>> Right? Come on.
>> Vogue is good. He's had some
others lately, I think George
will. Right?
>> Sure.
>> Yeah. Someone I've respected
forever and ever said, you know,
that's the kind of personality.
That's the kind of persona the
(14:02):
projection Democrats should be
looking for. That's high praise.
And right now, the only people
really paying attention are the
Washington crowd and other
politicos around the country.
For a man of that standing, to
say that about Beshear says a
lot. And then if Rand Paul were
to enter the race and he could,
he has before. He has a very
(14:22):
unique style, a very unique
following, a very unique
message. And he's very
prominent right now.
>> Absolutely. One little
footnote before we go. Surprise.
Political news item of the year,
would you say that's the
defection of State Senator
Robin Webb to the Republican
Party?
>> Yes. Senator Webb's been a
(14:43):
legislator for a couple decades
now. She was a state rep first
elected in the late 90s, always
viewed as kind of a moderate,
even conservative on some
issues, decided to run for
reelection as a Republican,
switched in the middle of the
year, actually became national
news. She went on a lot of the
national news stories Democrats
don't appear to be. I don't
even know if she has an
opponent yet. I don't know that
(15:04):
I've seen somebody file, but
she's being embraced by her new
colleagues and Lee's only
Ashley Tackett. Lafferty as a
rural Democrat in the Kentucky
General Assembly, which is just
crazy to think, you know, when
you were in office, when I was
in office, this was that was
not the case. You know, a lot
of the base of the Democratic
Party was in rural Kentucky,
especially in eastern Kentucky.
On the one hand, it's a
surprise because she hadn't
(15:25):
done it before. But on the
other hand, it's like, well,
yeah, she was sort of kind of
ideologically Republican on
many issues anyway.
>> Yeah. She had someone filed
against her today, I believe.
So that race will shape up
there. But not only are
Republicans embracing Robin
Webb, but many people who've
been for Robin Webb, and I can
think of a lot of them are
still for Robin Webb. Yeah, she
has a terrific brand, a
(15:46):
terrific personality. Her
Appalachian credibility and
persona is is wonderful, but
she's a woman who gets a
tremendous amount of things
done. She touches many sectors
of the economy. You know, she
takes a call and she's feeding
a horse in a very rural setting
and.
>> A very cold morning. And she
(16:06):
mined coal.
>> Probably by herself. She was
a coal miner. It's hard to beat.
>> Yeah.
>> It's hard to beat her Beau.
I would say nobody can.
>> Yeah. Contender for governor.
>> That's interesting. You can
start in the campaign right now
for her.
>> On that.
>> Note.
>> Merry Christmas. Happy New
Year to you. We'll see you on
the third Friday in January of
(16:28):
2026.
>> Yes. Thank you.
>> Some education notes. Now
Southern Elementary in eastern
Kentucky is one of many schools
where students receive toys
this year to help families
after the devastating flooding
(16:49):
and tornadoes earlier this year,
the Christian Appalachian
Project partnered with Marine
Toys for Tots Foundation for
the event, which also included
a visit from Santa Claus.
>> And what did you tell Santa
you wanted?
>> My two front teeth because I
don't have any two front teeth.
And there's a song called all I
want for Christmas is my two
(17:10):
front teeth.
>> So the kids are coming down
talking to Santa Claus. They
come through, they're getting
every kid will get a
squishmallow and then they're
actually getting two more toys.
>> Even right now, I would say
these gifts go a long way. They
take a little bit of pressure
off of our families, our
(17:31):
families in need. We have a
diverse demographic here at
Southern Elementary, so just
having gifts to present to our
students what just help the
families out as well.
>> Some of the kids here were
impacted by the tornado. I
think we're blessed that there
wasn't that many, but still
some here that were. So we
wanted to make sure why we done
(17:52):
something this year at
Christmas. We just wanted to
focus in these areas where the
tornadoes had made made their
impact.
>> We had about ten families
displaced during the tornado
time. So we're still rebuilding
as a community, but we're all
chipped in and we're all we're
all growing together and trying
to get back to normal. And
these kids are reminded of it
(18:13):
daily, just in the back. Even
in our playground, we lost a
lot of our playground and
buildings behind us. So this
event is allowing us to just
kind of come together as a
community, as as a region, the
state of Kentucky, and just
kind of give back to to our
staff, students and community
here.
>> I've seen smiles all day.
The one thing that I had
(18:34):
mentioned and spoke to someone
just a minute ago and spoke to
a kid, and he said the one
thing that he was asked Santa
for this year was a big
squirrel squishmallow. And he
just happened to get it here
today. Which which was makes it
makes all, makes all the work
worth everything you do.
>> When I went in the car, I
(18:55):
was like, can we please get
there fast? Because I was
excited to see Santa. I got a
game, a my Little Pony toy, and
a letter from Santa and a
Stanley keychain. Oh, Santa,
what I wanted for Christmas. I
(19:18):
got a cool toys and I got a
plushie. I'm going to play with
it when I get home in the
classroom, and I'm going to put
my stuff on my bed.
>> Christmas seems to be always
a time that families are
struggling, just trying to make
sure they have toys for for
kids, and hopefully this is
just going to help them. Maybe
(19:39):
it will help some of the kids
that maybe are not going to get
as many gifts. Maybe this will
help them have a little bit
better Christmas.
>> It's one of the best times
of the year.
>> If you work it well.
>> Little Ella is cute as a
button without those two front
teeth. The Christian
Appalachian Project also
provided gifts in person to
(20:00):
students at Ryan Pine Grove
Elementary in London. Another
victory for the UK volleyball
team details in tonight's
(20:21):
sports news, the one seed
Wildcats beat three seed
Wisconsin last night in the
NCAA volleyball Final Four in
Kansas City, Missouri, but this
was no sweep. The cats started
off slow, but eventually found
their offensive rhythm and won
in five sets. With the win, the
cats move on to the finals,
also in Kansas City. On Sunday,
(20:41):
they will take on another three
seed in Texas A&M at 3:30 p.m.
Big Blue Nation is invited to
cheer on the cats during a free
watch party at historic
Memorial Coliseum, mayor Linda
Gordon has declared Sunday beat
Texas A and M Day in Lexington
go big blue. Stay with KET this
(21:13):
evening, Bill Bryant and a
panel of veteran Kentucky
reporters talk about the big
news of the week on comment on
Kentucky coming up at 8:00
eastern, 7:00 central right
here on KET. Now, Christmas is
now less than a week away. Hope
you got your shopping done and
there's plenty to do if you get
some time off, our Toby Gibbs
explains. In this look at
what's happening around the
(21:35):
Commonwealth.
>> It's a sweet time of year
for ballet lovers as Louisville
Ballet presents The Nutcracker.
Since 2009, the company has
performed its full length take
on Tchaikovsky's classic, with
costumes and choreography that
add fresh twists and live
(21:55):
accompaniment from the
Louisville Orchestra. Owensboro
is branching out once again
with one of its longest running
holiday traditions, the Holiday
Forest Festival of Trees, now
in its 48th year, is decking
the museum with not one but two
exhibitions, each offering its
own interpretation of this
year's colorful theme. Patty's
(22:19):
1800s is flipping the switch on
the season with its annual
Festival of Light ceremony,
turning the settlement into a
bright spot on the holiday map.
The evening features live music
to set the mood, and young
visitors can expect to stop in
from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The
garden doesn't just grow, it
(22:39):
glows. Louisville's gardens A
glimmer returns to brighten up
the waterfront. Botanical
gardens. The winter tradition
turns the pathways into a
sparkling nighttime nature walk.
Visitors can pen a note to
Santa, try their hand at a
seasonal craft, and even cross
paths with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
themselves. And for anyone
wanting a different lens on the
(22:59):
lights, special 3D glasses are
available to add a few extra
twists to the twinkle. If you
prefer your holiday a little
less bright, check out
Candlelight Christmas Carols on
Strings happening in Lexington
this Saturday. Listen to
classic Christmas carols
performed by musicians under
the gentle glow of candlelight.
(23:20):
The audience also gets the
opportunity to spread some
holiday cheer during a group
sing along. Take on a creative
take on winter in Lagrange, at
Winter in Kentucky at Gallery
104. The 10th annual Holiday
Boutique features the work of
local artists displaying
original winter holiday themed
(23:41):
artwork that can help get that
gift list whittled down. Make a
few merry memories at Lake
Barkley State Resort Park this
holiday as it hosts a weekend
of festive dining, caroling,
cookies and other treats, plus
live music and a special visit
from Santa himself. The fun
kicks off tonight. Kentucky
(24:03):
history is dressing up for the
holidays, as my old Kentucky
home welcomes visitors with a
tour that steps back into
Victorian times hoop skirts,
tailcoats and a familiar song
to set the tone. The mansion is
trimmed with towering trees,
each carrying a Kentucky theme.
Along the way. Guides share
Christmas traditions that range
from the timeless to the
(24:24):
downright curious, from the
origins of the Christmas tree
and the lore behind mistletoe,
kisses to Yule logs, Christmas
pickles and Victorian tales of
Father Christmas, Santa Claus
and even Krampus. Tours
continue through January 4th.
Ready to leave the holiday
hustle and bustle behind? Then
grab your hiking boots and head
(24:45):
to Audubon State Park for a
winter solstice hike. Taking
place on the first day of
winter, this free, naturalist
led hike wanders a one mile
course through the hilly nature
preserve, giving you a change
of scenery as the season
changes. And that's a look at
what's happening around the
Commonwealth. I'm Toby Gibbs.
(25:09):
>> Thank you Toby Gibbs, as
always, and that'll do it for
us this week on Kentucky
Edition. We hope to see you
right back here again Monday
night at 630 eastern, 530
central, where we inform and
connect and inspire. For the
next couple of weeks, we
revisit some of Kentucky's most
interesting people and places
that we brought to you
throughout the year. And we
want to leave you tonight on
this note, there are a lot of
(25:29):
people who make Kentucky
Edition sing and go, and these
folks are behind the scenes.
They don't get much shine. But
I want to say to them that I
appreciate you, and we couldn't
do this without you. Thank you
to all of those on the Kentucky
Edition and Public Affairs team
and our KET family. And from us
to you, Merry Christmas and
(25:51):
Happy New Year.
>> In Washington DC you're
allowed to spin, spin spin and
lie lie lie. And we've seen him
do it before.
>> The Justice Department
releases some but not all of
the Jeffrey Epstein files.
>> So three of the biggest
thorns in the side of the
president are right here in
Kentucky.
>> We'll review the year in
(00:23):
Kentucky politics with Trey
Grayson and Bob Babbage.
>> On all SEC final is Kentucky
will play for a title.
>> And the UK volleyball teams.
Amazing season continues with a
win in the Final Four.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
(00:44):
part by the KET Millennium Fund.
>> Good evening and welcome to
Kentucky Edition for this
Friday, December the 19th. We
have made it to the weekend.
I'm Renee Shaw and we thank you
(01:05):
for starting off your weekend
with us. Today is the deadline
for the Trump administration's
Department of Justice to
release files about Jeffrey
Epstein, the convicted sex
offender known for his
connections to powerful
political and business figures.
On November 19th, Congress
passed legislation requiring
their release. And one month.
Well, today, December 19th, is
(01:27):
that deadline. The Justice
Department released some of the
files today around 4 p.m.
Eastern time, while promising
to release more in the coming
weeks. Some members of Congress
are already denouncing the
Justice Department for its
failure to release all of them.
Now, as required by the law,
Congressman Ro Khanna of
(01:47):
California is demanding a
timetable for the release of
the documents, and Kentucky
Congressman Thomas Massie, a
Republican from the fourth
district, is one of the leaders
of the movement to get the
files released yesterday,
Congressman Massie addressed a
question he's often asked.
>> How will you know if they've
released all the materials?
(02:07):
Well, one of the ways we'll
know is there are people who
have covered this case for
years, and I've talked to them
in private, and they know what
some of the material is that's
back there. But the other way
that we're going to know is the
victims lawyers have been in
contact with me, and
(02:27):
collectively, they know there
are at least 20 names of men
who are accused of sex crimes
in the possession of the FBI.
These would reside in the FD
302 forms. The FBI fills out
these forms to summarize or
memorialize what a witness gave
(02:50):
them. As far as testimony when
they interviewed with the FBI.
So if we get a large production
on December 19th and it does
not contain a single name of
any male who is accused of a
sex crime or sex trafficking or
rape or any of these things,
(03:10):
then we know they haven't
produced all the documents.
It's that simple.
>> Congressman Massie says he
will be on CBS News Face the
Nation this Sunday, and will
have more to say about The
Jeffrey Epstein Files. Time now
to go inside Kentucky Politics,
where we talk about some of the
big stories of the year 2025
(03:32):
and what we can expect a little
bit in 2026 with our good
friends, Trey Grayson and Bob
Babich. Happy holidays to you
gentlemen.
>> Happy holidays.
>> It's already here. Okay,
before we talk a little bit
about and the pants always have
to do Christmas year.
>> Bringing the spirit.
>> Yes, Bob and I could take
some lessons on how to do it
from next year. Next year we'll
get it right. So let's talk
(03:53):
about some of the big political
stories of the year. Give me
one. Trey Grayson.
>> You know, the McConnell
retirement and then the Senate
race to succeed him is probably
dominated. The political
headlines for the for the year.
You know, there's three primary
Republican candidates in that
race Daniel Cameron, former
attorney general, past
Republican nominee for governor,
(04:13):
current Congressman Andy Barr
from here in central Kentucky
and businessman Nate Morris.
And they've been vying for
fundraising and endorsements.
And Trump's attention. And then
on the Democratic side, there's
a ton of candidates, most
recently in the last couple of
weeks, we've had a couple of
the the last two nominees for
(04:34):
Senate on the Democratic side,
who lost Amy McGrath and
Charles Booker entered the race.
And I think there's like 7 or 8.
Dale Romans Dale Romans Dale
Romans got in. Pamela
Stephenson, state rep, was the
first kind of name in the race
and a couple first time
candidates.
>> Do we expect all of them to
hold? I mean, or there to be
more added? I mean, January,
what ninth is the candidate
(04:54):
filing deadline? So there's
still time for more to get in.
Bob Babbitt, are you hearing
anything?
>> Attack of a lot already.
That's a bunch of Democrats I'm
not sure anybody was looking
for this year to produce that
many rivals to the Republican
trio. Those three Republicans
have fought it out and spent a
ton of money this year already
(05:15):
trying to get an edge or an
angle. Trump endorsement would
matter tremendously. Some say
he won't do that at all, but
that's just speculation.
>> Does that still matter? Even
though his popularity numbers
seem to be an approval, numbers
seem to be on the decline.
>> I would say absolutely yes.
It matters.
>> Yeah. I think, you know,
whether you've seen the decline
as an independent and maybe
(05:35):
weaker Republicans, but the
folks who are going to vote in
May. Yeah, his his endorsement
matters still a great deal.
>> Yeah. So as we often say on
Kentucky Edition, there's not a
newscast that goes by where we
don't mention either. Thomas
Massie, Rand Paul, Mitch
McConnell, Brett Guthrie James
Comer. So once again, Kentucky
is punching above its weight
many and many times. But let's
talk about Massie, McConnell
(05:57):
and Rand Paul. What do they all
have in common?
>> So three of the biggest
thorns in the side of the
president are right here in
Kentucky. And actually, as a
fourth district resident, I
have Congressman Massie's, my
congressman, and obviously both
Senators Paul and McConnell
represent our state. So the
three of them, for different
reasons, have been going after
the president on various
different things. Massie, most
(06:19):
visibly, was the Epstein
discharge and also was a tough
vote early on for some of the
procedural matters for the one
big, beautiful bill, Senator
McConnell voted against a
couple of the early nominees,
RFK and I think maybe one more,
although of late has been more
quiet in his opposition to the
(06:40):
president on on matters I mean,
in general. First of all, all
three of these guys on 80 to
90% of their issues are aligned
with the president. But there's,
you know, they're high profile
times when they're not. And
Paul's been very outspoken
recently, especially with some
of the saber rattling, if you
will, of the administration. So
Trump actually spent several
months and his allies trying to
recruit a candidate against
(07:01):
Massie, and finally settled
upon Ed Gallrein, a businessman,
former Seal who narrowly lost
the state Senate race last year
to Aaron Reed. Gallrein that
Shelby County turns out in the
fourth district. Who knew? So
Shelby County, where Gallrein
lives, is so Gallrein will get
in that race and kind of be the
Trump proxy. So presumably have
plenty of money and resources.
(07:23):
Massie has been trying to raise
money after it. It should be
one of the most visible races
in the country, and I think
people will be watching to see,
because if Massie prevails, it
might give more courage to
Republicans when they disagree
with Trump to speak out. Most
recently this week, the
president had a really
unfortunate post about the
murder of Rob Reiner. Massie
(07:45):
spoke out actually, that one
got a lot of Republicans
speaking out. If Massie wins, I
think you'll maybe see a few
more things when the president
steps out of line and say, hey,
you know I like you, but not
here. But if Gallrein wins that
race, it'll be a signal to, hey,
don't mess around. Yeah, stay
in line. And so a lot of people
are going to be watching that
race.
>> Yeah. What do you think?
(08:05):
>> $1 billion to help
candidates that he wants to
help or work against people he
wants to work against? Just
this week, a billionaire came
out and said, whatever he does,
I'll do for Massie. So this
could be a multi multi-million
dollar race if it turns out to
be that kind of contest and the
outside money comes in to fight
(08:26):
it out. Massie is very well
connected and very popular in
his district. It will take a
heck of a race to beat him.
There could be a heck of a race
put on by Gallrein. That will
be national press probably
every day once we get, you know,
to warm weather for the balance
of the year, simply because it
will be so significant and so
(08:46):
very much will be read into it.
That's big. The Senate race is
big. Also in the coming year,
the governor's race starts to
shape up for 2027. We like to
run them early right earlier
and earlier, and we'll see
folks emerge or begin to
discuss possibilities there, or
any.
>> Spoiler alerts you want to
drop.
>> Right now. James Comer might
(09:07):
be James Comer.
>> Rocky.
>> Rocky Adkins, Lieutenant
Governor.
>> Lieutenant Governor
Jacqueline Coleman.
>> Yeah.
>> Maybe some others.
>> Yeah.
>> So, yeah, you know, when
we're gathered here on May 19th,
I think is the primary election
night. Yeah, a lot of people
will be watching the race.
They'll be watching that Senate
primary to see who emerges from
(09:29):
that. And also the sixth
district race. That's right.
Because Barr is running for
Senate. It opened up the sixth
district race here in central
Kentucky. Former state Senator
Ralph Alvarado, who resigned a
couple years ago to go to
Tennessee professionally, he
still lives in Clark County,
but he became the commissioner
of health down in Tennessee,
moved back home, jumped in the
race. State Rep Ryan Dodson,
(09:50):
also from Clark County. They're
both in the race. There's there
was another state rep, Deana
Gordon, who ran for a few
months but decided to stick
with her state rep seat just
recently. And then there's a
businessman as at least one
businessman who's jumped in the
race on the Republican side,
who's a first time candidate on
the Democratic side. Cherlynn
Stevenson seems to be, I think,
the the sort of the favorite.
(10:11):
But there are some other
Democrats in that race. That
race is one the Democrats could
win. You know, it's not as it's
not as purple as it used to be.
Some of that's through
redistricting, some of that's
just the decline of of
Democratic support in the rural
part of the district. I don't
think the Democrats especially,
we didn't mention Andy Beshear
in the context of the Senate
(10:31):
race because he's not going to
run for president. We'll talk
about that later. But the
Senate race is probably not
winnable. But the sixth
district race, if you know the
right political environment,
the right, you know, we'll just
we'll have to see how that
plays out.
>> Beshear did well in that
area. Yeah. And I think it's
extremely purple. And it's been
purple a long time almost all
my life. Go back to John C
Watts, who was the Democrat
(10:52):
Congress member for a long time.
Then Hopkins came.
>> It's gone back and forth,
right? Hopkins Chandler.
>> Several times. So we've had.
>> Watts, Hopkins, Baszler,
Chandler Barr.
>> If that's not a.
>> So it we're due right.
>> If that's not a district
that is unpredictable.
>> And Alvarado is making that
point, he thinks he's making
the case that he's a stronger
(11:12):
general election candidate than
Dodson. Dodson is more of a
social conservative. Alvarado
is pretty socially conservative,
too, so they're going to battle
it out. And but that's the case
that Alvarado is making that if
I'm the nominee, we have a
better shot at winning this
race.
>> The Democrat primary would
be good, though, and test those
candidates very well for that
fall race. They may come out
(11:37):
because they're well funded
with pretty good recognition,
pay a lot of attention to the
primary. We're going to have a
decent primary, probably not a
mob scene of turnout, but the
results on May 19th will be
very interesting. That evening
and the day after.
>> Yeah, we do have until June
January 9th to the filing
deadline. So we could have some
other folks jump into these
(11:58):
races. And the other thing,
it's the county election year.
So sometimes that drives
turnout as much as anything
else. Is the competitive race?
>> Absolutely, absolutely.
>> Let's talk a couple of years
from now, 2028. And getting
back to something you alluded
to just a moment ago, Governor
Andy Beshear and even U.S.
Senator Rand Paul could be
eyeing the presidency.
(12:18):
>> Yeah. So we know that pretty
confident President Trump is
not going to try to run for
reelection. I think the
Constitution is pretty clear on
that and that he's having some
fun with that. But regardless,
the Democratic side on that
race is definitely open. And
Governor Beshear has been
traveling the country kind of
trying out, if you will. He's
got a great post this year.
He's the chair of the
Democratic Governors
Association, which gives him an
(12:39):
excuse to go to states to meet
with donors to if it's a good
year for Democrats to take
credit for that. So he's he's
he's giving it his best shot.
If you look at some of the
national polling, he's
definitely in the back of the
pack. But there's a lane that
he's trying to occupy and widen,
which is in order to win, we
need to elect people who can
appeal to moderates and appeal
(12:59):
to independents. And I, as a
Democrat, did this in a red
state.
>> Red state.
>> Yeah. You know, and, you
know, we can talk for on the
show about how that's a little
bit of a simplistic explanation
of his political success, but
it does give him something
unique to talk about compared
to, say, Governor Newsom of
California and some of the
others. So that's what he's
trying to do. And, you know,
when the legislative session is
(13:20):
done, he will probably just
continue to crisscross the
country and give it his best
shot to try to to to be there.
And the beauty of it is for him,
if he's not the nominee, he'd
be well positioned to be a
running mate again. He was
under consideration last time.
Or if there were a Democratic
administration to lead an
agency or a cabinet secretary
or something like that.
>> Anything else?
>> Feedback is he sounds good.
(13:41):
He makes a good impression. He
sounds right.
>> People had a Vogue spread.
>> And yeah, who would have
thought that?
>> Right? Come on.
>> Vogue is good. He's had some
others lately, I think George
will. Right?
>> Sure.
>> Yeah. Someone I've respected
forever and ever said, you know,
that's the kind of personality.
That's the kind of persona the
(14:02):
projection Democrats should be
looking for. That's high praise.
And right now, the only people
really paying attention are the
Washington crowd and other
politicos around the country.
For a man of that standing, to
say that about Beshear says a
lot. And then if Rand Paul were
to enter the race and he could,
he has before. He has a very
(14:22):
unique style, a very unique
following, a very unique
message. And he's very
prominent right now.
>> Absolutely. One little
footnote before we go. Surprise.
Political news item of the year,
would you say that's the
defection of State Senator
Robin Webb to the Republican
Party?
>> Yes. Senator Webb's been a
(14:43):
legislator for a couple decades
now. She was a state rep first
elected in the late 90s, always
viewed as kind of a moderate,
even conservative on some
issues, decided to run for
reelection as a Republican,
switched in the middle of the
year, actually became national
news. She went on a lot of the
national news stories Democrats
don't appear to be. I don't
even know if she has an
opponent yet. I don't know that
(15:04):
I've seen somebody file, but
she's being embraced by her new
colleagues and Lee's only
Ashley Tackett. Lafferty as a
rural Democrat in the Kentucky
General Assembly, which is just
crazy to think, you know, when
you were in office, when I was
in office, this was that was
not the case. You know, a lot
of the base of the Democratic
Party was in rural Kentucky,
especially in eastern Kentucky.
On the one hand, it's a
surprise because she hadn't
(15:25):
done it before. But on the
other hand, it's like, well,
yeah, she was sort of kind of
ideologically Republican on
many issues anyway.
>> Yeah. She had someone filed
against her today, I believe.
So that race will shape up
there. But not only are
Republicans embracing Robin
Webb, but many people who've
been for Robin Webb, and I can
think of a lot of them are
still for Robin Webb. Yeah, she
has a terrific brand, a
(15:46):
terrific personality. Her
Appalachian credibility and
persona is is wonderful, but
she's a woman who gets a
tremendous amount of things
done. She touches many sectors
of the economy. You know, she
takes a call and she's feeding
a horse in a very rural setting
and.
>> A very cold morning. And she
(16:06):
mined coal.
>> Probably by herself. She was
a coal miner. It's hard to beat.
>> Yeah.
>> It's hard to beat her Beau.
I would say nobody can.
>> Yeah. Contender for governor.
>> That's interesting. You can
start in the campaign right now
for her.
>> On that.
>> Note.
>> Merry Christmas. Happy New
Year to you. We'll see you on
the third Friday in January of
(16:28):
2026.
>> Yes. Thank you.
>> Some education notes. Now
Southern Elementary in eastern
Kentucky is one of many schools
where students receive toys
this year to help families
after the devastating flooding
(16:49):
and tornadoes earlier this year,
the Christian Appalachian
Project partnered with Marine
Toys for Tots Foundation for
the event, which also included
a visit from Santa Claus.
>> And what did you tell Santa
you wanted?
>> My two front teeth because I
don't have any two front teeth.
And there's a song called all I
want for Christmas is my two
(17:10):
front teeth.
>> So the kids are coming down
talking to Santa Claus. They
come through, they're getting
every kid will get a
squishmallow and then they're
actually getting two more toys.
>> Even right now, I would say
these gifts go a long way. They
take a little bit of pressure
off of our families, our
(17:31):
families in need. We have a
diverse demographic here at
Southern Elementary, so just
having gifts to present to our
students what just help the
families out as well.
>> Some of the kids here were
impacted by the tornado. I
think we're blessed that there
wasn't that many, but still
some here that were. So we
wanted to make sure why we done
(17:52):
something this year at
Christmas. We just wanted to
focus in these areas where the
tornadoes had made made their
impact.
>> We had about ten families
displaced during the tornado
time. So we're still rebuilding
as a community, but we're all
chipped in and we're all we're
all growing together and trying
to get back to normal. And
these kids are reminded of it
(18:13):
daily, just in the back. Even
in our playground, we lost a
lot of our playground and
buildings behind us. So this
event is allowing us to just
kind of come together as a
community, as as a region, the
state of Kentucky, and just
kind of give back to to our
staff, students and community
here.
>> I've seen smiles all day.
The one thing that I had
(18:34):
mentioned and spoke to someone
just a minute ago and spoke to
a kid, and he said the one
thing that he was asked Santa
for this year was a big
squirrel squishmallow. And he
just happened to get it here
today. Which which was makes it
makes all, makes all the work
worth everything you do.
>> When I went in the car, I
(18:55):
was like, can we please get
there fast? Because I was
excited to see Santa. I got a
game, a my Little Pony toy, and
a letter from Santa and a
Stanley keychain. Oh, Santa,
what I wanted for Christmas. I
(19:18):
got a cool toys and I got a
plushie. I'm going to play with
it when I get home in the
classroom, and I'm going to put
my stuff on my bed.
>> Christmas seems to be always
a time that families are
struggling, just trying to make
sure they have toys for for
kids, and hopefully this is
just going to help them. Maybe
(19:39):
it will help some of the kids
that maybe are not going to get
as many gifts. Maybe this will
help them have a little bit
better Christmas.
>> It's one of the best times
of the year.
>> If you work it well.
>> Little Ella is cute as a
button without those two front
teeth. The Christian
Appalachian Project also
provided gifts in person to
(20:00):
students at Ryan Pine Grove
Elementary in London. Another
victory for the UK volleyball
team details in tonight's
(20:21):
sports news, the one seed
Wildcats beat three seed
Wisconsin last night in the
NCAA volleyball Final Four in
Kansas City, Missouri, but this
was no sweep. The cats started
off slow, but eventually found
their offensive rhythm and won
in five sets. With the win, the
cats move on to the finals,
also in Kansas City. On Sunday,
(20:41):
they will take on another three
seed in Texas A&M at 3:30 p.m.
Big Blue Nation is invited to
cheer on the cats during a free
watch party at historic
Memorial Coliseum, mayor Linda
Gordon has declared Sunday beat
Texas A and M Day in Lexington
go big blue. Stay with KET this
(21:13):
evening, Bill Bryant and a
panel of veteran Kentucky
reporters talk about the big
news of the week on comment on
Kentucky coming up at 8:00
eastern, 7:00 central right
here on KET. Now, Christmas is
now less than a week away. Hope
you got your shopping done and
there's plenty to do if you get
some time off, our Toby Gibbs
explains. In this look at
what's happening around the
(21:35):
Commonwealth.
>> It's a sweet time of year
for ballet lovers as Louisville
Ballet presents The Nutcracker.
Since 2009, the company has
performed its full length take
on Tchaikovsky's classic, with
costumes and choreography that
add fresh twists and live
(21:55):
accompaniment from the
Louisville Orchestra. Owensboro
is branching out once again
with one of its longest running
holiday traditions, the Holiday
Forest Festival of Trees, now
in its 48th year, is decking
the museum with not one but two
exhibitions, each offering its
own interpretation of this
year's colorful theme. Patty's
(22:19):
1800s is flipping the switch on
the season with its annual
Festival of Light ceremony,
turning the settlement into a
bright spot on the holiday map.
The evening features live music
to set the mood, and young
visitors can expect to stop in
from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The
garden doesn't just grow, it
(22:39):
glows. Louisville's gardens A
glimmer returns to brighten up
the waterfront. Botanical
gardens. The winter tradition
turns the pathways into a
sparkling nighttime nature walk.
Visitors can pen a note to
Santa, try their hand at a
seasonal craft, and even cross
paths with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
themselves. And for anyone
wanting a different lens on the
(22:59):
lights, special 3D glasses are
available to add a few extra
twists to the twinkle. If you
prefer your holiday a little
less bright, check out
Candlelight Christmas Carols on
Strings happening in Lexington
this Saturday. Listen to
classic Christmas carols
performed by musicians under
the gentle glow of candlelight.
(23:20):
The audience also gets the
opportunity to spread some
holiday cheer during a group
sing along. Take on a creative
take on winter in Lagrange, at
Winter in Kentucky at Gallery
104. The 10th annual Holiday
Boutique features the work of
local artists displaying
original winter holiday themed
(23:41):
artwork that can help get that
gift list whittled down. Make a
few merry memories at Lake
Barkley State Resort Park this
holiday as it hosts a weekend
of festive dining, caroling,
cookies and other treats, plus
live music and a special visit
from Santa himself. The fun
kicks off tonight. Kentucky
(24:03):
history is dressing up for the
holidays, as my old Kentucky
home welcomes visitors with a
tour that steps back into
Victorian times hoop skirts,
tailcoats and a familiar song
to set the tone. The mansion is
trimmed with towering trees,
each carrying a Kentucky theme.
Along the way. Guides share
Christmas traditions that range
from the timeless to the
(24:24):
downright curious, from the
origins of the Christmas tree
and the lore behind mistletoe,
kisses to Yule logs, Christmas
pickles and Victorian tales of
Father Christmas, Santa Claus
and even Krampus. Tours
continue through January 4th.
Ready to leave the holiday
hustle and bustle behind? Then
grab your hiking boots and head
(24:45):
to Audubon State Park for a
winter solstice hike. Taking
place on the first day of
winter, this free, naturalist
led hike wanders a one mile
course through the hilly nature
preserve, giving you a change
of scenery as the season
changes. And that's a look at
what's happening around the
Commonwealth. I'm Toby Gibbs.
(25:09):
>> Thank you Toby Gibbs, as
always, and that'll do it for
us this week on Kentucky
Edition. We hope to see you
right back here again Monday
night at 630 eastern, 530
central, where we inform and
connect and inspire. For the
next couple of weeks, we
revisit some of Kentucky's most
interesting people and places
that we brought to you
throughout the year. And we
want to leave you tonight on
this note, there are a lot of
(25:29):
people who make Kentucky
Edition sing and go, and these
folks are behind the scenes.
They don't get much shine. But
I want to say to them that I
appreciate you, and we couldn't
do this without you. Thank you
to all of those on the Kentucky
Edition and Public Affairs team
and our KET family. And from us
to you, Merry Christmas and
(25:51):
Happy New Year.
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