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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

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 ar...

Sep 19, 202455 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 – a...

Sep 12, 202457 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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.

Sep 05, 202443 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Superseding indictment

This week, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and JM Rieger sit down with chief correspondent Dan Balz to discuss the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention, and where the presidential race is heading with a debate scheduled less than two weeks away. Plus, the crew dives into Trump's apparent campaign strategy and his social media rants. Later, law enforcement reporter Devlin Barrett joins the show for an update on Trump's legal cases, from special counsel Jack Smith's app...

Aug 29, 202454 minSeason 315Ep. 10

The Democratic Party's party

This week, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann sit down just after the conclusion of Vice President Kamala Harris's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. The crew discusses the vibes of the convention, how different it felt from the July Republican National Convention, and the policies Democrats put at the heart of their 2024 campaign. Then, the team goes through their favorite moments of the week. Plus, were Democrats more effective than Republi...

Aug 23, 202456 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Trump stumped

On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann and JM Rieger preview next week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and dive into when Vice President Harris might start focusing more on policy. Plus, why hasn't the new Democratic nominee done any formal interviews with reporters yet? And former president Donald Trump is still struggling to adjust to the new dynamic in the presidential race – as his legal cases slowly march on ....

Aug 15, 202447 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Resetting the race

On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann discuss the huge vibe shift in the 2024 campaign, Vice President Harris's selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate , and how the Republican ticket is responding . Plus, former president Donald Trump is still litigating the 2020 election in his speeches, and attacked the Republican Governor of Georgia and his wife at a recent Atlanta rally. And Trump's legal cases continue to move forwards s...

Aug 08, 202450 min

Weird

On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, James Hohmann and JM Rieger are joined by The Washington Post Universe's Joseph Ferguson to discuss former president Donald Trump's appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention, and his attacks on Vice President Harris's racial identity . Later, the crew dives into Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance's continuing controversy over past comments he's made about women who don't have children. And who will...

Aug 01, 202453 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Veep

On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, James Hohmann and JM Rieger discuss Vice President Harris's sudden entrance into the 2024 presidential race, Democrats' huge fundraising haul in the days since, and who Harris might consider as her running mate. Plus, the crew recaps where each of former president Donald Trump's legal cases stand, and breaks down Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance's tough week ....

Jul 25, 202458 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Introducing, "The Sports Moment"

Ava Wallace, sports reporter at The Washington Post, is in France to report on the Summer Games — and eat a lot of croissants. Join her starting July 24, continuing through the entire run of the games, for several episodes a week as she captures the highs, the lows and the Paris of it all, along with other Post colleagues. Follow The Sports Moment podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music or YouTube . Sign up for The Sports Moment: Olympics Edition newsletter here ....

Jul 23, 202459 sec

Prosecutor for president

On this special bonus episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin, James Hohmann and JM Rieger gather to react to President Biden's exit from the presidential race, what it means for Democrats, and what happens next . And is Vice President Harris already a shoo-in to succeed Biden as Democratic nominee? The crew dives into Harris's quick succession of endorsements, and previews the Democratic National Convention looming in four weeks. Plus, how are Republicans reacting?...

Jul 22, 202440 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Unconventional

This week, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann report from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump officially became the 2024 Republican presidential nominee just days after the shooting at his rally in Butler, Pa. The crew discusses Trump's nomination speech, the momentum his campaign seems to have gained, and what might happen next in the presidential campaign . And Trump's legal cases in Florida and New York are still delayed. Plus, Washingt...

Jul 19, 202451 minSeason 315Ep. 10

The Pick is In

On this special bonus episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey, Rhonda Colvin and James Hohmann discuss the breaking news of Trump's pick for his vice-presidential running mate , Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance (R). Plus, the crew dives into Judge Aileen Cannon's decision to dismiss special counsel Jack Smith's case against Trump in Florida, where the former president is charged with illegally retaining classified documents after his presidency....

Jul 15, 202420 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 prev...

Jul 11, 202440 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Immunity

On this special bonus episode, The Washington Post's Rhonda Colvin sits down with senior video journalist JM Rieger, columnist James Hohmann, video journalist Blair Guild and law enforcement reporter Tom Jackman to discuss the historic Supreme Court ruling that gives former president Trump – and every president – broad immunity from prosecution for official acts. The crew breaks down what the court's ruling means for Trump and his ongoing legal cases , what actually constitutes an official act ,...

Jul 01, 202432 minSeason 315Ep. 10

The age-old debate

On this week's episode, The Washington Post's Libby Casey is joined by James Hohmann, Rhonda Colvin and JM Rieger to discuss the first presidential debate. The crew breaks down President Biden's shaky performance , how Trump addressed his felony conviction and ongoing legal issues, and how the debate could affect the presidential race. Plus, the Supreme Court has ruled on a key case brought by a Jan. 6 defendant who argued he shouldn't have been charged with obstructing an official proceeding. T...

Jun 28, 202447 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 dis...

Jun 20, 202432 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 convi...

Jun 13, 202442 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 con...

Jun 06, 202439 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 T...

May 31, 202439 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Jury's out

This week, the crew discusses the closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense in Trump's New York trial. Justice Department reporter Perry Stein joins Libby Casey and James Hohmann in the studio, while Rhonda Colvin reports from outside the Manhattan courthouse. Plus, what were the legal instructions that Justice Juan Merchan gave the jury? And when there's a verdict, join us on WashingtonPost.com for live video coverage. A new episode of The Trump Trials: Sidebar will publish soon a...

May 30, 202424 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 ...

May 23, 202449 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Take a Friend to Court Day

This week, the crew discusses former Trump attorney Michael Cohen's testimony and cross-examination by defense lawyers – and whether Cohen ended up being the star witness prosecutors hoped for. Law enforcement reporter Tom Jackman joins the show to discuss what he's seen in court, whether the jury is likely to believe Cohen's testimony, and the tight-rope Justice Juan Merchan has walked in trying to control Trump. Plus, a whole host of Republican politicians have attended court this week to supp...

May 16, 202447 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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...

May 13, 202442 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 l...

May 09, 202449 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Hope on the horizon

In this week's episode, the crew discusses Judge Juan Merchan's finding that former president Donald Trump is in contempt of court, the $9,000 fine he faces, and what could happen if he continues violating the gag order imposed by the court. Washington Post Senior National Political Correspondent Ashley Parker joins the show to talk about Hope Hicks, the former Trump aide who could be called to testify soon.

May 02, 202442 minSeason 315Ep. 10

Co-conspirator #1

In this week's episode, the crew discusses what's happened in former president Donald Trump's New York trial so far – and what we're hearing from witnesses. Washington Post reporter Devlin Barrett returns to take us inside the courtroom, while senior video journalist JM Rieger analyzes Trump's repetitive, falsehood-filled statements outside the courtroom. Read more in The Trump Trials newsletter ....

Apr 25, 202439 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 w...

Apr 18, 202438 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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...

Apr 15, 202430 minSeason 315Ep. 10

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 w...

Apr 15, 20242 min
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