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Latest episodes

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May 14, 2024 • 38min

Johnson Survives the MTV – What’s MTG’s Next Move?

The chips fell with the House resoundingly voting to table a motion to oust Speaker Johnson. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller dive into the next moves for the key players: Will Marjorie Taylor Greene trigger another vote? How will Speaker Johnson maintain party unity? And will anyone face consequences for their vote? Plus, a discussion of the FAA reauthorization and some drama in primary races.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Brendan’s Politico OpEd Politico: Greene's rebellion sparks new talk of consequences for House GOP rebels Axios: Congress plans all-out brawl with Biden over pausing Israel arms transfers Atlanta Journal Constitution: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s constituents mixed over effort to oust House speaker KFOR: Who is Paul Bondar, running to unseat Tom Cole? We found him.
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May 7, 2024 • 56min

Let the Chips Fall Where They May Feat. Andrew Solender of Axios

Is this the week that Marjorie Taylor Greene finally forces a vote to remove Speaker Johnson? Following a marathon meeting in the Speaker’s Office Monday afternoon, Greene and her allies leave us waiting on what’s next. In the meantime, hosts Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck break down what to watch if a vote moves forward. They also discuss Johnson’s reported comments about punishing troublemaker members and changing the rules for the Motion to Vacate. And they get into the drama last week with a handful of Republicans joining Democrats to pass a rare motion to recommit. All that before being joined by Andrew Solender, congressional reporter for Axios, to talk about how Democrats are viewing all this chaos and how long Johnson can count on them to keep his job.    Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck Guest: Andrew Solendar Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: CNN: Speaker Johnson faces threat of ouster vote in pivotal week as he meets with Marjorie Taylor Greene Punchbowl: What Johnson told big donors behind closed doors The Hill: GOP hard-liners use rare procedural move to block leadership-backed bill Axios: Democrats warn Mike Johnson: Don't get used to us saving you
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Apr 30, 2024 • 35min

What Is Left For Congress The Rest Of The Year?

More like Motion to Vacation… With foreign aid passed and a light floor schedule this week, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller take a look down the road at what Congress needs to accomplish between now and the election, starting with FAA reauthorization. Then they discuss the latest developments with Speaker Johnson and the Motion to Vacate before offering an update on impeachment.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: The Hill: FAA bill adds 5 long-distance flights to Reagan National airport CNN: Johnson calls on Columbia University president to resign during tense news conference Punchbowl: Jim Jordan ramps up his inside game CNN: How the House GOP’s Biden impeachment effort fell apart
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Apr 22, 2024 • 37min

Bonus Episode: Johnson Gets Foreign Aid Done

On a special bonus episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down how Speaker Johnson got the foreign aid package over the line and what the fallout may be. Will he survive a Motion to Vacate? Can the “coalition government” of Republicans and Democrats keep the House functioning? And what else can Congress get done the rest of the year?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: Brendan’s NYT oped AP: The House passes billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle. Next is the Senate Politico: Bipartisan outrage boils over at threat to Johnson’s speakership WaPo: Senate votes to dismiss impeachment charges against Mayorkas
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Apr 16, 2024 • 38min

Is Now, Finally, the Moment for Foreign Aid?

Iran’s attack on Israel has scrambled the House calendar – with an aid package now the top priority. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller debate what will be included and how it can get through Congress. Then, they turn their attention down south where former President Trump offered support for Speaker Johnson, who also scored a win with the FISA vote. Can he capitalize on the momentum or will failed rule votes trip him up?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed NYT: Johnson Says the House Will Vote on an Israel Bill in the Coming Days WSJ: Mike Johnson Nears Big Decision: Help Israel, Ukraine or Both? NYT: Trump to Meet an Embattled Johnson, Putting Their Tortured Ties on Display USA Today: 'I stand with the speaker.' Trump backs Speaker Mike Johnson amid rebellion from right CNN: House passes modified surveillance bill after it failed earlier this week
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Apr 9, 2024 • 45min

Total Eclipse of the Chair

The solar eclipse has come and gone, but the Motion to Vacate still casts a shadow over Speaker Johnson. On the latest episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the paths available for Speaker Johnson to both pass Ukraine aid and keep his job. Plus, they talk about the impending impeachment trial for Secretary Mayorkas and try to make sense of the major retirements among committee chairs.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: ABC News: DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas impeachment proceedings: What to expect WaPo: Speaker Johnson’s job is on the line as the House returns WSJ: Mike Johnson Prepares to Unwrap Mystery Ukraine Aid Package WaPo: ‘Increasingly chaotic’: Why House Republicans are heading for the exits
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Mar 22, 2024 • 25min

The MTG MTV Emergency Pod

Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate the chair, so there is only one thing Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller can do – emergency pod! They cover all the angles of this surprise development, including Greene’s options, her motivation and how much support she has.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: NYT: House Passes Spending Bill to Avert Shutdown, Prompting G.O.P. Mutiny Politico: It's happening again: Greene moves to force vote on ousting speaker
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Mar 19, 2024 • 38min

Is Speaker Johnson Losing the Locker Room?

House Republicans are back from their retreat and CONTROL is back on shutdown watch. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the latest in the spending negotiations and if the dispute over border security funding will lead to a government shutdown. Then, they talk about the low morale in the GOP conference, as evidenced by the low turnout at last week’s retreat and the surprise retirement of Rep. Ken Buck. Finally, they question what else might get done this Congress, including Ukraine funding, tax reform, and impeachment.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: WaPo: Border security deadlock heightens risk of government shutdown AP: House Republicans are seeking unity at an idyllic West Virginia retreat. Many didn’t bother to come The Hill: Ken Buck slams ‘ridiculous’ claims he’s resigning to hurt Boebert’s election chances Politico: Johnson says he expects to take up Ukraine aid with Democratic votes Washington Examiner: Mayorkas impeachment trial takes backseat to congressional spending fight Politico: As Biden impeachment stalls, House GOP turns to backup plans
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Mar 12, 2024 • 38min

Taking a Break from Shutdown Watch

In a rare week without a shutdown deadline, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller take stock of the latest appropriations negotiations and some other topics being discussed around the Hill, including Ukraine funding, impeachment, and the fallout from SOTU. Then, the pair analyze the state of the Senate leadership races: who’s in, who’s out, and who’s keeping their powder dry. Plus, a game of “What Political News Reached Annalyse on Vacation!"   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander   Articles Discussed: NBC News: Conservatives are furious, but they're not threatening Speaker Johnson's job AP: Biden signs a package of spending bills passed by Congress just hours before a shutdown deadline Axios: Biden sends his $7.3 trillion budget to Congress Washington Post: White House-Justice Dept. tensions high as Hur prepares to testify on Hill Politico: Ernst to run against Cotton for Senate GOP No. 3 this fall
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Mar 5, 2024 • 55min

Life After Mitch, Feat. the Washington Post’s Paul Kane

With Annalyse on vacation, Brendan Buck is at the controls during a busy week on Capitol Hill. First, following Senator Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he’s stepping down as Republican Leader, Brendan welcomes Paul Kane of the Washington Post to talk about how McConnell changed the Senate and explain the dividing lines in the Republican Conference as it chooses its next leader. Plus, it’s SOTU week! Mike Ricci – Seven Letter Partner and former top aide to Speakers Ryan and Boehner – joins the show to discuss the State of the Union: what makes a good speech, what makes for a bad response, and what to watch for on Thursday night.   Host: Brendan Buck Guests: Paul Kane and Mike Ricci Producer: Benji Englander                                                       Articles Discussed: AP: Congressional leaders come out with 6 spending bills in a drive to avoid a partial shutdown WaPo: Senate Republicans will face leadership struggle between Trump, McConnell views NBC News: Biden to juggle competing political demands in State of the Union address  

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