CONTROL

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.  

12 days into the start of the Johnson Speakership – and with 12 days to go until a government shutdown – hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller offer their assessments of Speaker Johnson’s early moves, especially around the Israel aid package. They debate what’s next for the supplemental request and the overall appropriations process and wonder what the future holds for George Santos.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander

As House Republicans gather (again) to choose a Speaker nominee, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss where things went wrong for Jim Jordan, run through the nine Speaker candidates, and explain why whoever emerges victorious will have a steep learning curve. Plus, Kevin McCarthy’s future and the outlook for President Biden’s supplemental budget request for Israel and Ukraine.   Brendan’s New York Times op-ed: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/18/opinion/patrick-mchenry-interim-speaker-powers.html   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander

Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are suffering from a case of déjà vu as the GOP nominee for Speaker struggles to find the necessary votes. They debate the big questions facing the House Republican Conference: Can Steve Scalise secure enough support? What has Kevin McCarthy been up to? Does Patrick McHenry have the authority to pass aid for Israel? And why are they taking away Members’ cell phones before meetings?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Producer: Benji Englander

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

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

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

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

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

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