Jonathan Capehart

Washington, D.C.

Opinion columnist focusing on the intersection of social and cultural issues and politics

Education: Carleton College, BA in Political Science.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jonathan Capehart has been a member of The Washington Post editorial board since 2007. He writes about politics and social issues, hosts the podcast “Capehart” (formerly named “Cape Up”) and anchors the weekly Washington Post Live show “First Look,” which is also streamed on “The Choice MSNBC” on Comcast’s Peacock streaming service. Capehart is also an MSNBC contributor and the anchor of “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.” His MSNBC special “A Promised Land: A Conversation with Barack Obama” was nominated in 2021 for an Emmy for Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis. At PBS, Capehart serves as a commentator on “The PBS NewsHour” and is featured on the popular Friday segment
Latest from Jonathan Capehart

The state of global press freedom and the threats to democracy

During Washington Post Live's World Press Freedom Day event on May 3, Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF USA and president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Stephen Capus assess the state of global press freedom, ensuring the safety for journalists around the world, the technological shifts reshaping the industry and what's at stake as billions around the world head to the polls this year.

May 9, 2024

Percival Everett on reimagining ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’

Acclaimed author Percival Everett joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart for a conversation about Everett’s latest novel, “James,” which reexamines Jim from Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in an attempt to give the character “control of his own story.” Everett also tackles the issue of book bans across the country, Twain’s use of the n-word in his literature and why Everett believes “it belongs there.” Conversation recorded on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

May 2, 2024

Jon Bon Jovi on a new Hulu docuseries and the 40th anniversary of his band's debut album

Legendary musician Jon Bon Jovi of the band Bon Jovi, joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart for a conversation about the group’s new Hulu docuseries, “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” which chronicles their journey from Jersey Shore clubs to some of the largest stages in the world, their trials and triumphs, what their legacy means and the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. Conversation recorded on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the Motion Picture Association.

April 25, 2024

Best Of: Colin Jost on his journey to SNL and the power of comedy

Longtime SNL cast member Colin Jost will be hosting this year's White House correspondents’ dinner. We revisit a 2020 conversation with Jost about how he has used the power of the written word and comedy to get through life’s challenges and some of the poignant events that have shaped him. Conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on July 20, 2020.

April 11, 2024

Alex Edelman on ‘Just for Us’ and the state of Jewish comedy

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on April 3, comedian Alex Edelman talks about his HBO comedy special “Just for Us,” how it became “conversant with the times” in the aftermath of Oct. 7, the mechanics of his comedy and why he’s decided to stop doing the routine.

April 4, 2024

Adam Bry on the future of drones at home and in the battlefield

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March 21, Skydio CEO Adam Bry talks about the prominence of China in the drone industry, why it threatens U.S. national security, and how the company’s drones are being used both in Ukraine and here in the United States.

March 28, 2024

Regina King on bringing groundbreaking lawmaker Shirley Chisholm to the big screen

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March 22, actor Regina King breaks down her starring role as Shirley Chisholm in the new biopic, “Shirley,” talks about why the film took 15 years to make and explores the lawmaker’s enduring legacy.

March 21, 2024

Julio Torres on his surrealist take on the U.S. immigration system, ‘Problemista’

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March 13, actor and comedian Julio Torres talks about his directorial debut, “Problemista,” which he also wrote and stars in, digs into how his own experience with the U.S. immigration system informs the film and explores the importance of the protagonist Alejandro being a fully fleshed character.

March 14, 2024

Rep. Ro Khanna on why he’s calling for a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Gaza war

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March. 6, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) breaks down why he’s worried President Biden’s support for Israel is fraying the Democratic coalition, how Congress should investigate the administrations steady and quiet transfer of arms to Israel, how activists’ calls for a permanent cease-fire have affected White House messaging, and what he hopes to hear from the president’s State of the Union address.

March 8, 2024

    ‘American Fiction’ is ‘not so fictional at all’ | Opinion

    “We in America lack a fluency in race,” Oscar-nominated actor Jeffrey Wright says. His latest film, “American Fiction”, explores themes of race and identity.

    March 7, 2024