CONTROL
Seven Letter
CONTROL is a podcast hosted by Seven Letter’s Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller, two veterans of Capitol Hill who now serve as communications strategists to Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and advocacy coalitions. Drawing on their experience in GOP congressional politics, the podcast seeks to look around the corner at the policy priorities and political dynamics that will define Congress.
The podcast series talks to experts who know the institution and helps explain the challenges and opportunities facing a divided Congress. Guests include subject-matter experts, journalists, former lawmakers, and political operatives, all with a keen insight into what is next for Washington. With Season 2 of CONTROL, you can expect a new episode every Tuesday when Congress is in session.
The podcast series talks to experts who know the institution and helps explain the challenges and opportunities facing a divided Congress. Guests include subject-matter experts, journalists, former lawmakers, and political operatives, all with a keen insight into what is next for Washington. With Season 2 of CONTROL, you can expect a new episode every Tuesday when Congress is in session.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 5, 2023 • 45min
Back Where It All Began: No One in Control
The Speakership is vacant, a shutdown looms (again), and no one has control in the House of Representatives. After a whirlwind week in the House, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller try to make sense of what just happened and where things go from here. They discuss Kevin McCarthy’s downfall, the race to replace him, the power available to Patrick McHenry, the future of Ukraine funding, and more.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Producer: Benji Englander
Jun 15, 2023 • 46min
Debt Ceiling is Done, but is a Shutdown Next? Feat. Will Dunham
With the debt limit raised but members of the Freedom Caucus in revolt, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Will Dunham – a former top aide to Speaker McCarthy – to try to figure out where the House Republican Conference goes from here. Can appropriations be done through regular order? How can leadership keep members in line? And is a government shutdown inevitable?
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Guest: Will Dunham
Producer: Benji Englander
May 30, 2023 • 39min
How to Whip the Debt Ceiling Vote Feat. Matt Bravo
We have a debt limit deal – but how many votes will it get? To answer that question, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Matt Bravo, former Director of Floor Operations for then-House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. The trio discuss the vote whipping process, the key lawmakers to watch and the importance of vibes before making some predictions on the final tally.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Guest: Matt Bravo
Producer: Benji Englander
May 25, 2023 • 49min
Flying Close to the X Date Sun Feat. Former Treasury Official Ben Harris
As the U.S. barrels toward a default, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller analyze the latest in negotiations between Congress and the White House. They game out what a final deal may look like but have different levels of optimism it will get done before the deadline. Then, they are joined by Ben Harris, the former Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy and a counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury, to get the administration’s perspective on the debt ceiling debate.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Guest: Ben Harris
Producer: Benji Englander
May 18, 2023 • 53min
Dreaming About the Debt Ceiling Feat. Ali Vitali
As the possible nightmare scenario draws closer, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by NBC News’ Ali Vitali to search for optimism in the debt ceiling negotiations. They discuss Speaker McCarthy’s success thus far and what pitfalls may lie ahead, Senate Democrats revolting against President Biden and whether work requirements are truly a “red line.” Plus, Brendan and Annlayse make some predictions.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Gust: Ali Vitali
Producer: Benji Englander
May 11, 2023 • 45min
Can Congress Break The Debt Ceiling Deadlock? Feat. Phil Mattingly
With the “X” date and a possible default fast approaching, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller return to break down the debt ceiling drama. They recap the recent White House meeting and discuss Speaker McCarthy’s impressive ability to hold his conference together along with Democrats misplaced hopes for a discharge petition. Then, CNN’s Phil Mattingly joins the show to explain the Biden administration’s strategy. Plus, immigration reform stalls and George Santos gets indicted.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Guest: Phil Mattingly
Producer: Benji Englander
Jan 26, 2023 • 54min
Only Congress Can Avoid a Default Feat. Rohit Kumar
The debt ceiling has been breached and the debate on Capitol Hill is just starting to unfold. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by PwC’s Rohit Kumar – a veteran of the 2011 debt ceiling standoff where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Leader Mitch McConnell. The trio discuss the history of debt ceiling fights, explore the limits of proposed workarounds, and ponder the best way to avoid a catastrophic outcome.
This is the final episode in this limited-run series, so be sure to follow @BrendanBuck and @AnnalyseKB on Twitter for the latest insights. Thank you for listening.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Producer: Benji Englander
Guest: Rohit Kumar
Jan 12, 2023 • 46min
No Easy Answer: How Does the Debt Ceiling Get Resolved?
With Kevin McCarthy finally securing the gavel, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the concessions he made and dissect the new rules package. Then, they throw some cold water on the House GOP’s spending plans and explain why a discharge petition is not a silver bullet to the impending debt ceiling standoff.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Producer: Benji Englander
Jan 5, 2023 • 42min
Still No Speaker – Where Does the GOP Go From Here?
Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down a wild start to the 118th Congress and game out what might happen next. They debate if Kevin McCarthy can get over the finish line, the impact of the CLF-CFG agreement and what this all means for the next two years of legislating. Buckle up!
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Producer: Benji Englander
Dec 21, 2022 • 45min
Chaos Scenario: What Happens if the Speaker Vote Fails?
Are we entering uncharted territory? Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller offer a primer on what might happen with the Speaker vote on January 3rd. They talk through the parliamentary procedure and what could happen if Kevin McCarthy fails to secure a majority on the first ballot. Plus, a discussion on relations between the House and Senate and how leadership will deal with controversial Rep.-elect George Santos.
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Producer: Benji Englander
