

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 8, 2025 • 32min
Will Trump negotiate on tariffs?
The discussion kicks off with the unpredictable impact of Trump's tariffs on global trade and market volatility. The panel debates potential negotiations with foreign countries and looming political tensions over a Senate bill aimed at curbing presidential tariff power. Insights reveal conflicting views among tech leaders and advisors on tariff strategies. Plus, recent changes in cryptocurrency regulations spark concerns about fraud, prompting discussions on safeguarding investments in this evolving landscape.

Apr 3, 2025 • 30min
Tariffs, TikTok and Trump
Cat Zakrzewski, a White House reporter for the Washington Post and tech specialist, dives deep into crucial issues around tariffs and TikTok. She reveals how Trump's tariffs are driving up consumer prices across essential sectors and reshaping corporate strategies amid market anxiety. The discussion highlights the geopolitical ramifications of these tariffs on international relations. Zakrzewski also sheds light on time-sensitive negotiations surrounding TikTok's potential sale, showcasing the intersection of technology, national security, and politics.

Apr 2, 2025 • 29min
What do Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs mean for you?
Joining the discussion is Jeff Stein, a White House economic reporter for the Washington Post, who breaks down President Trump's proposed tariffs dubbed 'Liberation Day.' He sheds light on how these sweeping tariffs could function like a tax increase for consumers and impact the economy. The conversation dives into the stark contrasts between Trump's intentions and mainstream economic views. They also touch on the complexities of trade negotiations and Senator Cory Booker's filibuster, echoing the turbulent landscape surrounding these policies.

Mar 27, 2025 • 30min
Trump's world of fear and chaos
The discussion dives into the fallout from a significant leak involving classified information shared by Trump officials. There's a spotlight on the chilling effects Trump's policies create for international students, exemplified by a revoked visa case. The podcast also tackles First Amendment rights amid intense border searches, revealing the fear climate surrounding personal privacy. Additionally, fear-based rhetoric in immigration policy is dissected, along with an in-depth look at the economic impacts of Trump's tariffs on the automotive industry.

Mar 25, 2025 • 30min
Pete Hegseth and the Signal leak
A significant security lapse in the Trump administration has officials scrambling after a military planning chat included a journalist by mistake. The ethical dilemmas surrounding leaked communications are analyzed, revealing concerns about classified information misuse. Partisan divides emerge in a congressional hearing regarding national security, particularly focusing on the opioid crisis. The illusion of transparency under the administration is examined, alongside struggles with foreign policy and diplomatic relations, particularly involving Greenland. It's a captivating look at the tension between public accountability and national security.

Mar 20, 2025 • 30min
Trump versus D.C.
Meagan Flynn, a reporter for The Washington Post's Metro team, discusses the turbulent relationship between the Trump administration and D.C. Politics. She delves into how Trump's controversial remarks and decisions, including significant budget cuts and mass layoffs, are impacting the federal workforce. Flynn also examines the implications of an Executive Order to shutter the Department of Education. The conversation highlights community responses amid rising unemployment and the struggle for local governance against federal oversight.

Mar 18, 2025 • 30min
Trump, Putin and Alien Enemies
Maria Sacchetti, an immigration reporter for the Washington Post, sheds light on the controversial use of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected Venezuelan gang members without due process. The discussion raises urgent questions about the balance of power between the presidency and the judiciary, following a rare public rebuke from Chief Justice John G. Roberts. Additionally, the podcast delves into President Trump’s negotiations with Vladimir Putin over a cease-fire in Ukraine, highlighting the intricate ties between domestic policies and international diplomacy.

Mar 13, 2025 • 26min
How Trump fell in love with crypto
On this episode, Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann, and JM Rieger take a closer look at President Donald Trump’s transformation from vocal crypto critic to now spearheading the U.S. government’s full-throated embrace of cryptocurrency and digital commodities.Trump’s new love of crypto was on full display during White House Crypto Summit on March 7, led by crypto and artificial intelligence czar David Sacks. The Trump administration, along with tech industry leaders, touted deregulation, a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Assets Stockpile, executive orders and legislation.Plus, Sam Bankman-Fried lobbies for a pardon from prison on Tucker Carlson’s podcast and reaction to the White House’s surprise decision to withdraw their Center of Disease Control and Prevention nomination, former congressman Dave Weldon, who found out as he was driving to the Capitol to testify.

Mar 11, 2025 • 30min
JD Vance and the shutdown dance
On this episode, The Washington Post's Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann and JM Rieger explain why Washington is once again under the cloud of a looming government shutdown – and why fiscal conservatives might have to hold their noses and vote to keep the government open.Plus, how Vice President JD Vance is finding a role for himself as a go-between for members of Congress who want access to the White House.

Mar 6, 2025 • 32min
Trump at war
In this episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann decode President Trump's efforts to redefine America's role on the world stage – from seemingly starting trade wars with China, Mexico and Canada to straining alliances with Europe that have defined American foreign policy since the Second World War.Plus, what is Trump really trying to accomplish – and is he playing chess, with a longer strategy in mind, or just checkers?