
Sidebar
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 11, 2024 • 40min
Veepstakes
On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey sits down with Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann to talk about the continued ripple effects of the Supreme Court's immunity decision, which meant Trump's scheduled sentencing for his New York conviction is delayed.And it isn't just the New York case; there are also delays in his Florida and Washington, D.C. cases.Plus, the Republican National Convention is next week, and Trump still hasn't named a vice-presidential nominee. The crew previews the convention, and who might appear onstage as Trump's running mate.

Jul 1, 2024 • 32min
Immunity
Discussion on the historic Supreme Court ruling granting presidents immunity for official acts, its impact on Trump's legal cases and the presidency. Analyzing the political implications for Trump's campaign, legal strategies, and potential sentencing outcomes. Highlighting the delays in trials, challenges in accountability, and concerns for the 2024 election.

Jun 28, 2024 • 47min
The age-old debate
Political analyst James Hohmann, journalist Rhonda Colvin, and political commentator JM Rieger dissect the first presidential debate, Biden's performance, Trump's legal issues, and the Supreme Court ruling impacting a Jan. 6 defendant. The crew explores the uncertainty in the Democratic party, implications of the recent Supreme Court decisions, and Trump's legal challenges, highlighting the election's unpredictability and lack of momentum towards a clear outcome.

Jun 20, 2024 • 32min
The calm before the storm
On this week's episode, the crew discusses former president Donald Trump's upcoming busy month, from Supreme Court decisions to the first presidential debate.The Washington Post's Libby Casey sits down with senior video journalist JM Rieger to discuss the Supreme Court and several Trump-related cases that could be decided in the coming days – and how the decisions the court makes could reshape presidential power in America.Then, national political reporter Isaac Arnsdorf joins the show to discuss Trump's campaign trail rhetoric, and what to expect from his debate with President Biden next week.

Jun 13, 2024 • 42min
The Capitol Hill Club
On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey and James Hohmann sit down with reporters Devlin Barrett and Perry Stein, co-authors of The Trump Trials newsletter, to discuss where things stand on former president Donald Trump's many legal issues.First up: What did Trump hope to accomplish in his first return to Capitol Hill since the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol? Plus, a breakdown of Trump's schedule over the next few months, from the sentencing hearing for his New York conviction, the upcoming debate against President Biden, and the Republican National Convention in July.And what's going on with Trump's indictments in Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C.? Devlin and Perry provide insights into the motions, hearings and judicial decisions that are shaping each of Trump's cases.

Jun 6, 2024 • 39min
Fallout
The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann discuss the fallout from former president Donald Trump's New York trial, in which he was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. In the week since his conviction, Trump has raised a huge amount of money, and received the public backing of most prominent elected Republicans. He's scheduled to be sentenced on July 11.And looming over all of it is the Supreme Court, which can't overturn Trump's New York conviction, but is still weighing his appeal that he should be immune from federal prosecution for crimes allegedly committed while president.Plus, the crew provides an update on the other legal cases Trump still faces.Keep track of all of the Trump cases in The Trump Trials newsletter.

May 31, 2024 • 39min
Guilty
On this bonus episode, the crew reacts to the guilty verdict against Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to an adult-film actress. The Washington Post's Libby Casey and James Hohmann, with Rhonda Colvin outside the Manhattan courthouse, are joined by special guests Dan Balz, chief correspondent, and Robin Givhan, senior critic-at-large.Plus, will Trump go to jail? Can he still run for president – and can he vote for himself?Read more in The Trump Trials newsletter, or follow our ongoing coverage here.

May 30, 2024 • 24min
Jury's out
Perry Stein, a Justice Department reporter, joins the crew to discuss closing arguments in Trump's New York trial. They explore witness credibility, trial strategies, legal intricacies, Trump's involvement, and the jury deliberations on felony counts.

May 23, 2024 • 49min
Verdict incoming
This week, the crew dives into the strongest parts of the prosecution's case against former president Donald Trump in his New York Trial – and the parts of the case that might not be as strong.Law enforcement reporters Shayna Jacobs and Devlin Barrett join the show to break down what will happen after the jury returns from a full week off from the trial: Final arguments, jury instructions, and then jury deliberations.Plus, what are the possible outcomes when the jury returns a verdict?Follow more of The Washington Post's coverage of Trump's New York trial here. You can also sign up for The Post's weekly Trump Trials newsletter here.

May 16, 2024 • 47min
Take a Friend to Court Day
Law enforcement reporter Tom Jackman discusses Michael Cohen's testimony, the credibility of key witnesses, and the political support for Trump during his trial. The podcast also covers the judge's handling of the case and the potential implications of the trial verdict on future legal battles.