Can He Do That?

News & Politics Podcasts

“Can He Do That?” is The Washington Post’s politics podcast, exploring presidential power in the face of weakened institutions, a divided electorate and changing political norms. Led by host Allison Michaels, each episode asks a new question about this extraordinary moment in American history and answers with insight into how our government works, how to understand ongoing events, and the implications when so much about the current state of American life and the country’s politics is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

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United States

Description:

“Can He Do That?” is The Washington Post’s politics podcast, exploring presidential power in the face of weakened institutions, a divided electorate and changing political norms. Led by host Allison Michaels, each episode asks a new question about this extraordinary moment in American history and answers with insight into how our government works, how to understand ongoing events, and the implications when so much about the current state of American life and the country’s politics is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Language:

English

Episodes

Check out The 7

12/9/2022
On The Post’s new podcast, "The 7," host Jeff Pierre takes you through the seven most important and interesting stories of the day. It's a way to get caught up in just a few minutes. It comes out every weekday at 7 a.m. Check it out today, then find and follow "The 7" so you're set for the new week! You can also read "The 7" here.

Duration:00:07:39

So… can he do that?

5/12/2022
More than five years later, what’s the answer to: “Can he do that?” What major lessons have we learned about the stability of our democracy and the limitations on presidential power? How have our systems been tested and how have they endured those tests? Related reading and links Trump, 2024 and the fragility of American democracyBiden’s struggle to tackle ‘four historic crises’ at onceAmerican democracy in ‘Peril’

Duration:00:39:03

A message from Allison

5/5/2022
Allison shares some news about the future of the show. Plus, a request to hear from listeners.

Duration:00:02:36

“Broken Doors,” Episode 1

4/28/2022
An unusual warrant. A pattern of questionable no-knock raids. A reporting thread that just kept going. “Broken Doors” is a new investigative podcast series from The Washington Post. Hosted by Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca.

Duration:00:43:33

Is ‘defund the police’ dead for Democrats?

4/21/2022
Can Democrats clarify messaging on police reform? With states and cities taking police reform matters into their own hands, does the president run the risk of losing the support of the communities that played a huge part in getting him elected? Related reading and episodes Biden’s evolution on criminal justice Biden makes his midterm message clear: 'Fund the police’ The potentially dangerous politics of ‘defund the police’ for Democrats

Duration:00:34:32

Inside Biden’s Ukraine strategy

4/14/2022
How has President Biden's experience with Afghanistan informed his choices in Ukraine? We’ve explored Biden’s history with global leadership, war and American intervention. What can his foreign policy history tell us about Biden’s response in Europe now?

Duration:00:21:42

Introducing “Broken Doors”

4/11/2022
An unusual warrant. A pattern of questionable no-knock raids. A reporting thread that just kept going. “Broken Doors” is a new investigative podcast series from the Washington Post. Hosted by Jenn Abelson and Nicole Dungca.

Duration:00:04:38

Obama and Biden: It’s complicated

4/7/2022
President Biden and former President Obama have seen little of each other recently, despite an ostensibly close relationship. What does Obama's appearance at the White House say about the relationship? And will it yield the results Democrats hope for? Related reading and episodes And now, here’s your host — Barack Obama With Obama looking on, White House to open ACA plans to more families

Duration:00:18:59

What's stopping the DOJ from going after Trump?

3/31/2022
A federal judge ruled this week that then-President Donald Trump “more likely than not” committed federal crimes in trying to block President Biden’s election win on Jan. 6, 2021. What are the likely implications for Trump and the Justice Department? Justice Dept. expands Jan. 6 probe to look at rally prep, financingJudge: Trump ‘more likely than not’ committed crimeTrump, 2024 and the fragility of American democracy

Duration:00:23:01

In Europe, Biden hopes to keep U.S. allies together

3/24/2022
President Biden is in Europe this week, making stops in Belgium and in Poland in hopes of keeping the Western alliance united and showcasing American leadership. How much further will the allies go in support of Ukraine? Biden heads to Europe to bolster the Western allianceWhere Biden’s climate goals and a Russian oil ban collideBiden’s response to Putin’s invasion

Duration:00:17:29

Is it time for an independent probe into the pandemic response?

3/17/2022
Some lawmakers hope to set up an independent probe into the country’s pandemic response, after months of contentious and partisan oversight efforts in Congress. Would this probe avoid politics and help us understand how to fight future pandemics? Related reading and episodes Lawmakers push pandemic probe modeled on 9/11 CommissionThe mystery of the pandemic’s origins (and what it means for Biden)

Duration:00:20:45

Where Biden’s climate goals and a Russian oil ban collide

3/10/2022
President Biden pledged to move America’s climate reforms forward. How can he ensure that the U.S. has enough oil supply to keep prices from surging, while also ensuring that efforts to obtain that oil don’t infringe on his climate promises? Here’s where Russian oil flows How the invasion of Ukraine scrambles American energy politics Biden’s climate agenda is bold. Is it enough?

Duration:00:15:02

Biden lays out a new path for Democrats. Is it too late?

3/3/2022
President Biden is trying to refocus messaging around Democrats' accomplishments. Is it too late for a political course correction with such little time before the midterms? Biden’s made his priorities clear, but will the Democratic party follow suit? Blue states are moving on from the pandemic. Can Biden?Biden’s struggle to tackle ‘four historic crises’ at once

Duration:00:21:16

Ketanji Brown Jackson’s path to the court — between confrontation and compromise

2/25/2022
President Biden’s choice of Judge Jackson fulfills his campaign promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. She spent years overcoming obstacles by finding the middle ground. Biden’s Supreme Court nominee overcame obstacles by finding middle groundHow can the Supreme Court maintain impartiality in America's modern political climate?

Duration:00:21:00

Biden’s response to Putin’s invasion

2/24/2022
Russia launched a full-scale attack against Ukraine in what U.S. officials say is an attempt to topple the democratically-elected, pro-Western government. The U.S. and its allies responded with massive sanctions. Will they work to deter Russia? Live updating coverage of the situation in UkraineWhy we’re talking about Ukraine… again

Duration:00:16:57

Road tripping through a divided state

2/17/2022
With the midterm elections on the horizon, both parties are searching for ways to connect with voters. But what if the thing voters want most is for politics to stop feeling like an existential death match? A reporter looks for answers in Virginia. Related reading and episodes What Does Virginia Want Now? Are we too divided for unity?

Duration:00:42:34

Blue states are moving on from the pandemic. Can Biden?

2/10/2022
The White House is in a tough spot as Democratic governors begin lifting mask mandates. How long will President Biden hold out while facing pressure from his own party? And what accounts for the discrepancy between state governments and CDC guidance? Biden mandates vaccines for millions. Can he do that?Biden vs. the delta variantMask mandates continue to fall as Fauci says U.S. may be approaching ‘normality’

Duration:00:23:08

Trump, 2024 and the fragility of American democracy

2/3/2022
New details emerged about former president Trump's actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election. Plus, he made some new claims about the electoral process. How might the week's news affect a potential 2024 run and the cracks in American democracy? The state of Trump’s affairsMcCarthy walks the Trump tightropeAmerican democracy in ‘Peril’

Duration:00:21:21

Why we’re talking about Ukraine… again

1/27/2022
What’s likely to happen next with this intensifying U.S.-Russia conflict? How is Biden’s approach with Ukraine different than past presidents? And why does Ukraine seem to come up over and over again in modern American politics? Biden faces no easy options on Ukraine The presidential power to strikeBiden vowed a smooth exit from Afghanistan. Now what?

Duration:00:17:18

Biden’s struggle to tackle ‘four historic crises’ at once

1/20/2022
After one year in office — with the country still facing several historic crises, simultaneously — Washington Post reporters set out to answer this question: What has Biden done about the four crises he pledged to address? Related reading and episodes After one year in office, what has Biden done about the four crises he pledged to address?‘A lack of decorum’: Congress in 2021One year (almost) of Biden’s America

Duration:00:25:11

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