

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

Sep 19, 2024 • 55min
The Truth About Springfield, Ohio
This week, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann sit down with Senior Video Journalist Jorge Ribas, who just got back from Springfield, Ohio – where the neighborhood pets are decidedly not being eaten. The crew dives into why former president Donald Trump continues to lean into anti-immigrant rhetoric and how Springfield residents feel about the sudden wave of national attention on their city.Plus, a new Washington Post poll shows Trump and Vice President Harris are essentially tied in Pennsylvania – the key swing state that could determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.And does the Teamsters' decision not to endorse a candidate matter?

Sep 12, 2024 • 57min
Philadelphia Face-off
This week, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann are joined by Senior Critic-at-Large Robin Givhan, as they discuss how former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris performed at the Sept. 10 presidential debate – and the impressions each left voters with. Plus, why is Pennsylvania one of the key states in the 2024 presidential election – and can either candidate win without it?And later, the crew dives into Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris – and considers whether celebrity endorsements actually move the needle in elections.

Sep 5, 2024 • 43min
Debate prep
On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, JM Rieger and James Hohmann preview next week's debate, and what Vice President Harris and former president Trump need to do in what could be the final presidential debate of the cycle.
Plus, abortion – and Trump's stance on an abortion ballot initiative in his home state of Florida – has become a big part of the 2024 conversation.
And what's the latest on Trump's legal troubles? The delay tactics continue.

Aug 29, 2024 • 54min
Superseding indictment
Dan Balz, a veteran political correspondent, delves into the current state of the presidential race and the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention. He discusses the strategies candidates like Biden and Trump might use in the forthcoming debates. Joining him, law enforcement reporter Devlin Barrett updates listeners on Trump’s legal battles, focusing on his new superseding indictment related to January 6 and ongoing cases in Georgia and New York, highlighting the intricate interplay between Trump's legal challenges and his campaign rhetoric.

Aug 23, 2024 • 56min
The Democratic Party's party
Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin, and James Hohmann from The Washington Post are joined by Vice President Kamala Harris. They dive into the excitement and contrasts of the recent Democratic National Convention, especially Harris's galvanizing speech that shifted focus to broader representation issues. The team discusses the impact of engaging personal stories and the role of influencers in amplifying Democratic messaging. They also examine how social media is reshaping political engagement and reflect on the evolving dynamics between traditional and modern journalism.

Aug 15, 2024 • 47min
Trump stumped
Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann, and JM Rieger from The Washington Post delve into the upcoming Democratic National Convention and the strategic positioning of Kamala Harris. They question why she has limited media appearances despite rising poll numbers. The trio also discusses Donald Trump's ongoing legal challenges and their potential impact on his 2024 campaign, contrasting his quieter approach with Harris's proactive stance. Additionally, they touch on the legal complications surrounding former Congressman George Santos.

Aug 8, 2024 • 50min
Resetting the race
This discussion features Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann, Governor Tim Walz, and former President Donald Trump. They dive into the significant shift in the 2024 campaign atmosphere, especially Vice President Harris's choice of Walz as her running mate. The group analyzes Trump's ongoing legal issues and his fixation on the 2020 election, alongside the shifting dynamics of political discourse. Personal attacks are becoming the norm, reflecting on race, gender, and voter sentiment as the election looms large.

Aug 1, 2024 • 53min
Weird
Joseph Ferguson, a contributor to The Washington Post, discusses Donald Trump's controversial remarks at the NABJ convention and his attacks on Vice President Harris's racial identity. JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, faces scrutiny over his derogatory comments about women. The dialogue dives into the implications of identity politics, upcoming vice-presidential selections, and the challenges facing childless political leaders. The conversation reflects tension within the Republican party and the evolving strategies of the Democratic campaign.

Jul 25, 2024 • 58min
Veep
Exploring Kamala Harris's nomination for president and her VP pick, Biden's legacy, Trump's legal battles, J.D. Vance's political performance, criticism on childless politicians, and navigating political challenges.

Jul 23, 2024 • 59sec
Introducing, "The Sports Moment"
Sports reporter Ava Wallace from The Washington Post will be reporting on the 2024 Olympics in Paris. She invites listeners to join her journey capturing the highs, lows, and essence of the games. Follow her podcast and newsletter for in-depth coverage starting July 24th.