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
Jul 12, 2019 • 18min
Trump avoids releasing his business information to the courts — for now
A federal appeals court dismissed a lawsuit claiming President Trump is illegally profiting from foreign and state government visits to his D.C. hotel. Post legal affairs reporter Ann Marimow untangles the details and implications for our country.
Jul 4, 2019 • 27min
'The Framers would not recognize the modern presidency.'
For this special Fourth of July episode, we’re going back to the beginning. Jeff Rosen, president of the National Constitution Center, explains how the Founding Fathers intended the presidency and how it has evolved.
Jun 28, 2019 • 17min
Trump vs. Iran: A president's choices as commander in chief
The president has significant power when it comes to war. Pentagon reporter Dan Lamothe explains what led to this escalation with Iran, Trump’s strategy going forward and how recent events affect international perceptions of U.S. might.
Jun 21, 2019 • 15min
Introducing: ‘Moonrise’
The 'Can He Do That?' team presents a new Post podcast, 'Moonrise' and showcases a segment from the Post's daily podcast 'Post Reports' about developments in Iran and what it has to say about President Trump's approach to foreign policy.
Jun 14, 2019 • 25min
How the sprawling Democratic field will winnow down to Trump's single opponent
What are the pros and cons for Trump in facing a huge number of candidates? National political reporter Michael Scherer explains how the upcoming Democratic primary debates may help narrow the field and what we can expect as campaign season continues.
Jun 7, 2019 • 24min
Here's what happens if Trump imposes tariffs on Mexican imports
Does the law allow Trump to tax Mexican imports? Can the Senate stop him from following through on his threat? Economic policy reporter Damian Paletta explains the potential consequences of Mexican tariffs for American consumers and the economy at large.
May 31, 2019 • 16min
Investigating an investigation: Barr’s newfound power to declassify materials
President Trump gave Attorney General Barr full declassification authority for his audit of the Russia investigation. Reporter Devlin Barrett explains the president's unusual move and how Barr's power is perceived in the intelligence community.
May 24, 2019 • 21min
Will they or won't they? Where House Democrats stand on impeachment
President Trump cut short a bipartisan infrastructure meeting, telling Democrats he won't work with them until they stop investigating him. Congressional reporter Mike DeBonis explains how Democrats might move forward with legislation and investigations.
May 17, 2019 • 18min
Why didn't the White House back an international effort to fight online extremism?
At the intersection of regulation and free speech, the "Christchurch Call" presents a challenge for a president who alleges political bias from social media sites. Tech policy reporter Tony Romm explains the potential consequences of Trump's decision.
May 10, 2019 • 18min
What happens when a president asserts executive privilege?
The conflict between Congress and the White House accelerated as President Trump blocked access to the unredacted Mueller report. Reporter Carol Leonnig explains executive privilege and what Trump's assertion means for Congressional investigations.
