

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

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.

May 13, 2024 • 42min
Special episode: The Fixer
The crew gathers for a special Monday episode all about former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who was called to testify in Trump's New York trial by prosecutors on Monday morning.Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann sit down with political investigations reporter Peter Jamison to discuss Cohen's past as Trump's self-described "fixer," and Cohen's claims that he has changed since leaving Trump's employment.Plus, national security and law enforcement reporter Devlin Barrett returns to the show to discuss why Cohen is one of the key witnesses in the New York trial.Read more about Cohen's bizarre appearances on TikTok here.

May 9, 2024 • 49min
Stormy and the bookkeepers
On this week's episode, the crew discusses adult film actress Stormy Daniels' testimony about her sexual encounter with the former president, and whether the prosecution went too far in asking for specific details. And senior video journalist Jorge Ribas joins the show from outside the Manhattan courthouse where the trial is taking place, to reveal what it's like covering the trial and what reporters can actually see.Plus, video journalist Blair Guild joins the show to break down former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen's regular TikTok live broadcasts – a surprising move from one of the prosecution's key witnesses.You can also watch the show on Youtube here.

May 2, 2024 • 42min
Hope on the horizon
Washington Post Senior National Political Correspondent Ashley Parker discusses the legal challenges faced by Trump, including criminal contempt charges. The crew delves into the implications of violating a gag order and the trial of Michael Cohen. The role of Hope Hicks in Trump's legal battles and the Supreme Court's debate on his presidential immunity are also explored.

Apr 25, 2024 • 39min
Co-conspirator #1
Washington Post reporter Devlin Barrett and senior video journalist JM Rieger delve into Trump's New York trial, discussing witness testimonies, Trump's repetitive false statements, and the complexities of the legal battle, including potential consequences of violating a gag order and exploring the legalities surrounding ex-presidents' accountability.

Apr 18, 2024 • 38min
Sleepy Don
At the start of Trump's Manhattan criminal trial, the court needs 12 jurors and six alternates – but many times that number have been dismissed, for a whole variety of reasons, some mundane and others surprising. Seven have been sworn in so far, including a foreman. In our second episode, the crew discusses the jurors selected during the first two days in court.Plus, the dynamic between Trump's lawyers, Judge Juan Merchan and the former president himself is getting tense, with Merchan sternly warning Trump not to gesture at or speak to potential jurors.And is Trump having trouble staying awake at times? Washington Post national security and law enforcement reporter Devlin Barrett - an author of our sister newsletter, The Trump Trials - joins the show to reveal what it's like covering the trial from inside the courthouse.

Apr 15, 2024 • 30min
No cameras in court
Former president Donald Trump arrived at the Manhattan criminal court on April 15 for a first: Charged with falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, he becomes the first former president in U.S. history to be put on criminal trial.In our first episode, the crew discusses the first day of Trump's trial in the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and how jury selection could play out. Plus - why the trial won't be televised, and how much trouble he could be in.Washington Post video journalist Michael Cadenhead joins to discuss his recent trip to New York to ask Manhattanites if they could serve as impartial jurors in the trial. Read his story with The Post's Azi Paybarah here.You can also watch the show on Youtube here.

Apr 15, 2024 • 2min
The Trump Trials: Sidebar
When The Washington Post started the "Can He Do That?" podcast, the U.S. faced unprecedented questions as former president Donald Trump pushed on the limits of presidential power. Now, his legal challenges raise new questions. The Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann will host a weekly conversation as trials loom in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C. On the new show, "The Trump Trials: Sidebar," the hosts will break down the latest twists and turns as Trump contends with court appearances and seeks a second presidential term. Trump's hush money trial in New York starts April 15. Look out for the first episode that evening. You can also watch the show on Youtube here.