Sidebar
The Washington Post
The Washington Post’s Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann gather for a weekly in-depth conversation about politics and power. From presidential candidates to members of Congress to the judicial system, Sidebar dives deep on the topics and people at the forefront of the political conversation.
The crew sits down each Thursday (with the occasional breaking news episode) to discuss what has happened that week, and what’s coming up the next week – with guest appearances from Washington Post reporters.
The crew sits down each Thursday (with the occasional breaking news episode) to discuss what has happened that week, and what’s coming up the next week – with guest appearances from Washington Post reporters.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 28, 2022 • 43min
“Broken Doors,” Episode 1
An unusual warrant. A pattern of questionable no-knock raids. A reporting thread that just kept going. “Broken Doors” is a new investigative podcast series from The Washington Post. Hosted by Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca.
Apr 21, 2022 • 33min
Is ‘defund the police’ dead for Democrats?
Can Democrats clarify messaging on police reform? With states and cities taking police reform matters into their own hands, does the president run the risk of losing the support of the communities that played a huge part in getting him elected? Related reading and episodesBiden’s evolution on criminal justiceBiden makes his midterm message clear: 'Fund the police’The potentially dangerous politics of ‘defund the police’ for Democrats
Apr 14, 2022 • 21min
Inside Biden’s Ukraine strategy
How has President Biden's experience with Afghanistan informed his choices in Ukraine? We’ve explored Biden’s history with global leadership, war and American intervention. What can his foreign policy history tell us about Biden’s response in Europe now?
Apr 11, 2022 • 4min
Introducing “Broken Doors”
An unusual warrant. A pattern of questionable no-knock raids. A reporting thread that just kept going. “Broken Doors” is a new investigative podcast series from the Washington Post. Hosted by Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca.
Apr 7, 2022 • 18min
Obama and Biden: It’s complicated
President Biden and former President Obama have seen little of each other recently, despite an ostensibly close relationship. What does Obama's appearance at the White House say about the relationship? And will it yield the results Democrats hope for? Related reading and episodesAnd now, here’s your host — Barack ObamaWith Obama looking on, White House to open ACA plans to more families
Mar 31, 2022 • 23min
What's stopping the DOJ from going after Trump?
A federal judge ruled this week that then-President Donald Trump “more likely than not” committed federal crimes in trying to block President Biden’s election win on Jan. 6, 2021. What are the likely implications for Trump and the Justice Department? Justice Dept. expands Jan. 6 probe to look at rally prep, financingJudge: Trump ‘more likely than not’ committed crimeTrump, 2024 and the fragility of American democracy
Mar 24, 2022 • 17min
In Europe, Biden hopes to keep U.S. allies together
President Biden is in Europe this week, making stops in Belgium and in Poland in hopes of keeping the Western alliance united and showcasing American leadership. How much further will the allies go in support of Ukraine? Biden heads to Europe to bolster the Western allianceWhere Biden’s climate goals and a Russian oil ban collideBiden’s response to Putin’s invasion
Mar 17, 2022 • 20min
Is it time for an independent probe into the pandemic response?
Some lawmakers hope to set up an independent probe into the country’s pandemic response, after months of contentious and partisan oversight efforts in Congress. Would this probe avoid politics and help us understand how to fight future pandemics?Related reading and episodesLawmakers push pandemic probe modeled on 9/11 CommissionThe mystery of the pandemic’s origins (and what it means for Biden)
Mar 10, 2022 • 15min
Where Biden’s climate goals and a Russian oil ban collide
President Biden pledged to move America’s climate reforms forward. How can he ensure that the U.S. has enough oil supply to keep prices from surging, while also ensuring that efforts to obtain that oil don’t infringe on his climate promises?Here’s where Russian oil flowsHow the invasion of Ukraine scrambles American energy politicsBiden’s climate agenda is bold. Is it enough?
Mar 3, 2022 • 21min
Biden lays out a new path for Democrats. Is it too late?
President Biden is trying to refocus messaging around Democrats' accomplishments. Is it too late for a political course correction with such little time before the midterms? Biden’s made his priorities clear, but will the Democratic party follow suit? Blue states are moving on from the pandemic. Can Biden?Biden’s struggle to tackle ‘four historic crises’ at once
