how do I format json data in splunk?

[micseydel]

Replace

try: reader = results.ResultsReader(response)
except: print(sys.exc_info())

with

reader = results.ResultsReader(response)

The exception handling doesn't make sense, the program needs to exit if any exception occurs because the variable won't be defined (as the error message says). If you let the exception be thrown, you should get some information that will help with identifying the root issue.