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?
“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.
Norms of the presidency have eroded, institutions have been weakened, the country is more divided than ever, the ways we measure and understand political sentiment are flawed, and misinformation has become a powerful piece of the national discourse.
President Biden campaigned on a promise to fix what’s broken, to repair divisions, and to restore some of the norms and institutions that were pillars of the Washington in which he built his career. But can he do that? Does he have the power, ability or even the will to set the country on the path he envisions? Biden said the 2020 election was a battle for the soul of the nation — so who’s really winning?
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?
Allison shares some news about the future of the show. Plus, a request to hear from listeners.
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.
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?
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?