CONTROL

On a milestone anniversary episode, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller dig into the Senate leadership race and all its drama, including the debate over recess appointments, the influence of Elon Musk and whether Donald Trump will offer an endorsement. Then, they turn their attention to the House and the battle for Republican Conference Chair, as well as what to look for during the Lame Duck. At the end, Producer Benji joins to recap the results of the CONTROL Election Prediction Contest.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Fox News: Trump allies back Rick Scott in GOP Senate leader race as they look to influence secret ballot The Hill: Senate GOP leadership candidates scramble to support Trump’s demand for recess appointments Axios: House Republicans swarm race for Elise Stefanik's leadership job WaPo: Congress set to extend government shutdown deadline into Trump’s term

Washington is red – so hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller had to gather to discuss the results of a surprisingly quick election result. How did Donald Trump complete his comeback? How will the GOP use their control of Congress? Will it be Mike Johnson in the Speaker’s chair? All that and more on a special episode of CONTROL.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Brendan’s MSNBC oped

One week to go, so it’s time to make some wild guesses. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down the closing arguments and then make predictions about the key races up and down the ballot. Play along with CONTROL’s Election Prediction Contest and see how you stack up against our hosts: https://forms.gle/uZYiQabtLhwVzqrr9   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: NYT: Pro-Harris Super PAC Raises Concerns About Focusing on Trump and Fascism AP: Progressives warn Harris must change her closing message as the election looms NYT: 6 Takeaways From Donald Trump’s 3-Hour Podcast With Joe Rogan CNN: Harris to deliver closing argument speech at Ellipse, site of Trump’s January 6 rally NBC News: Speaker Mike Johnson fights to save the House Republican majority — and his job

On the latest episode of CONTROL, Brendan Buck and Annlayse Keller continue their series of special bonus episodes focused on some of the races and dynamics that will determine CONTROL of the House and the Senate. The duo first discuss the latest happenings from the campaign trail and a potential nightmare scenario in the House next January. Then, they welcome on GOP strategist Jessica Anderson of the Sentinel Action Fund to talk about how Republicans have improved their early vote ground game and their path to victory in November.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Jessica Anderson Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed AP: Trump works the fry station and holds a drive-thru news conference at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s NBC News: Harris has no current plans to campaign with Biden before Election Day Politico: The Very Real Scenario Where Trump Loses and Takes Power Anyway Fox News: Georgia casts over 1.4M ballots as critical battleground shatters early voting records Politico: Republicans are trying to up their early voting game — but Trump keeps getting in the way WFAE: After years of decrying mail-in ballots, GOP showing signs of strength in early NC voting

With just weeks to go until Election Day, hosts Brendan Buck and Annlayse Keller kick-off a series of special bonus episodes focused on some of the races and dynamics that will determine CONTROL of the House and the Senate. After discussing the debate on the Hill around disaster relief, Brendan and Annalyse talk through the election state of play and the shrinking number of competitive races. Then, longtime democratic operative Doug Thornell joins the show to offer the case for Democrats re-taking the House.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Doug Thornell Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed NBC News: Mike Johnson won't commit to bringing House back before the election for more hurricane relief Politico: Milton raises stakes for Congress to pass more disaster aid WaPo: Control of House heads toward another cliffhanger election New York Times: Far From Presidential Battlegrounds, Blue States Could Decide Congress The Hill: Democrats see abortion, Harris as leading them back to House majority

With Speaker Johnson coming up short on his six-month CR plan, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the ramifications of the new December funding deadline. They debate how various election scenarios will impact Speaker Johnson’s standing in the conference and quest to keep his job. Then, Bloomberg Government’s Jonathan Tamari joins the show to offer his perspective on the CR and share some insights about the pivotal state in this election: Pennsylvania.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalsye Keller Guest: Jonathan Tamari Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: CNN: Speaker Johnson unveils short-term spending bill, urges members to avoid shutdown Politico Playbook: Why Trump wanted a shutdown Axios: Johnson's colleagues baffled by his shutdown strategy Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Trump returning to Western Pennsylvania today; Harris to head to Pittsburgh. Philadelphia Inquirer: How Pa.’s undecided voters are processing their decision with just weeks until the election The Economist: Pennsylvania, the crucial battleground in America’s election

On a new episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the latest efforts to avoid a government shutdown. With Speaker Johnson’s original plan in tatters, what’s his next move? And how will it affect his relationship with Tom Emmer and Donald Trump? Then, Burgess Everett, the Semafor congressional bureau chief, joins the show to discuss all things Senate: spending, IVF, leadership races, and more.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Burgess Everett Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Punchbowl: House GOP no closer to resolving spending mess New York Times: Déjà Vu for Mike Johnson as Internal Strife Stalls Spending Plan The Hill: Trump complicates Speaker Johnson’s plan to avoid government shutdown Axios: The lame duck farm bill push Fox News: Schumer revives Dem-backed IVF bill after Trump proposal Axios: Scoop: McConnell's power play over vote for his replacement

Congress is back, Brendan is back and CONTROL is back on Shutdown Watch. Hosts Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck talk to Punchbowl’s Jake Sherman about where the spending fight stands and what moves party leaders will look to make. They discuss Speaker Johnson’s strategy, the impact of the upcoming election as well as Republican’s fundraising woes. Plus, Annalyse and Brendan preview tonight’s presidential debate and the potential for divided government no matter who takes the White House.   Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck Producer: Benji Englander Guest: Jake Sherman   Articles Discussed Punchbowl: Congress returns as all eyes turn to Philadelphia Punchbowl: House Republican leaders post big August hauls amid GOP money woes New York Times: Trump and Harris Neck and Neck After Summer Upheaval, Times/Siena Poll Finds Washington Post: Even in victory, Harris or Trump could earn a dubious prize: Hostile Congress

The House may be out, but recess has not yet begun for CONTROL hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci. After discussing the latest on the Trump assassination attempt investigations, JD Vance’s early struggles, VP Harris’s potential running mates, and some upcoming primaries, two very special guests join the show. First, Brendan Buck calls in to talk about the floundering appropriations process. Then, former Speaker John Boehner joins the show to offer his perspective on appropriations, President Biden’s withdrawal, Speaker Johnson and more.   Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Guests: Former Speaker John Boehner and Brendan Buck Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed Politico: House leadership appoints Trump shooting task force members NBC News: Trump agrees to give a victim interview to the FBI after assassination attempt WSJ: Secret Service Director Resigns Amid Anger Over Trump Shooting NYT: JD Vance Stumbles in His Debut, as Democrats Go on Offense Bloomberg: Harris’ Running-Mate Search Zeroes In on Three Top Contenders Roll Call: Rep. Cori Bush faces well-funded prosecutor in Missouri primary Spokesman Review: Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse faces 7 challengers in a primary that tests Trump’s hold on GOP The Tennessean:  Johnston touts record, wins traditional GOP backers in race for Tennessee's 5th District Politico: House Republicans bail on another spending bill as their summer funding ambitions fizzle

After one of the most newsworthy two-week stretches in recent memory, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are back to make sense of everything that’s happened and where things may go. From President Biden’s decision not to stand for re-election to the groundswell of support for Vice President Harris to the assassination attempt on former President Trump to JD Vance’s debut at the RNC, the political fallout will be felt in the halls of Congress and around the country for years to come. Plus, Speaker Johnson marks a noteworthy milestone and Bibi Netanyahu heads to Washington.   Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Politico: Kamala Harris clears the path to the nomination as potential challengers fall in line NYT: Harris Raised $81 Million in First 24 Hours as Candidate AP: Who’s No. 2? Four leading Democrats emerge as a possible running mate for Kamala Harris AP: Biden continues to recover from COVID-19, stays out of public view after ending his 2024 campaign AP: JD Vance introduces himself as Trump’s running mate and makes direct appeal to his native Rust Belt Punchbowl: The Canvass RNC recap: Most prefer Youngkin over Vance for VP NYT: Seeking Answers, Lawmakers From Both Parties Ask Secret Service Chief to Quit Punchbowl: Trump’s Capitol Hill Cabinet WaPo: Harris won’t preside over Netanyahu’s speech to Congress NBC News: Matt Gaetz and Kevin McCarthy's feud erupts at Republican convention