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.

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Episodes

When it comes to acts of war, how far can Trump go?

With military action, when can a president bypass Congress and what are the consequences? National security reporter Dan Lamothe, American University's Nora Bensahel, and former advisor to Susan Rice, Loren Schulman, help us answer that question.

Apr 14, 2017•28 min

What can (and can’t) Trump associates do when it comes to Russia?

Congressional reporter Karoun Demirjian helps answer: What can history show us about presidents’ relationships with foreign governments? When is communication illegal? And at what point do allegations turn into concrete findings?

Apr 07, 2017•32 min

Does Ivanka Trump’s new White House role hold up against legal and ethical standards?

This week’s episode asks a slightly different question: Can she? How do potential business conflicts and issues of nepotism factor into Ivanka’s new role? And with First Lady Melania Trump taking a relative backseat, is Ivanka filling in the gaps?

Mar 31, 2017•28 min

Will Trump be able to deliver on his healthcare promises?

In a setback for the president, a vote on the GOP health care overhaul plan was delayed Thursday. How does it affect Trump's promises to voters? The Post's Mike DeBonis explains the politics, and we talk to Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) about what's next.

Mar 24, 2017•27 min

Will Trump really cut programs people depend on?

Trump’s budget proposes massive cuts to the arts, science and the poor: Can he do that? The Post’s Kelsey Snell weighs in on whether Trump’s requests will be met. Plus, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen shares how Democrats in Congress are reacting.

Mar 17, 2017•29 min

Are Trump's attacks on the media a threat to freedom of the press?

How unusual is Trump's behavior toward the media? Media columnist Margaret Sullivan weighs in on that question and on what's at risk for democracy. Plus, WHCA president Jeff Mason shares what it's really like to be a member White House press corps.

Mar 10, 2017•32 min

Does Trump’s success depend on his relationship with Congress?

A master class in the relationship between party and president: The Post’s Robert Costa explains who’s running the show in Washington. He talks to GOP insider Grover Norquist on party unity under Trump and what it means for their agenda in Congress.

Mar 03, 2017•29 min

Do President Trump's business conflicts violate the Constitution?

The Post’s award-winning David Fahrenthold breaks down Trump’s many businesses, his complex foreign ties and the Emoluments Clause.

Feb 24, 2017•27 min

Will Trump ever release his tax returns?

Trump is the first major party nominee in decades to not release returns. What happens now that he's president? Does Flynn's resignation change things? Plus, Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.) on Democrats' efforts to make Trump's returns public.

Feb 17, 2017•25 min

Should Trump be spending weekends at Mar-a-Lago?

President Trump frequents his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, has a triplex penthouse in Trump Tower in downtown Manhattan and has his last name blazoned on dozens of properties around the world. Does that change things for the office of the presidency?

Feb 10, 2017•28 min

Will President Trump's immigration ban survive?

Is President Trump's executive order temporarily barring entry into the U.S. from seven majority-Muslim countries within the bounds of presidential power? With Marc Fisher, Post senior editor and author of "Trump Revealed," we answer that and more.

Feb 03, 2017•25 min

Can he tweet that?

We take a close look at Trump's tweets now that he's president. Can he make official policy statements on Twitter? And does that dictate government action? We explore the pros and cons when a president has a direct line to the people.

Jan 27, 2017•29 min

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