CONTROL

On a jam-packed episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down a big breakthrough to fund the government and the roadblocks that remain on Kevin McCarthy’s path to the speakership. Then, they are joined by Mark Epley, former general counsel to Speaker Ryan and former Staff Director of the Oversight Subcommittee on Ways and Means, to talk all things oversight: How will the GOP manage everything on their list? How do they avoid overreaching? And how will the Biden administration respond?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Mark Epley Producer: Benji Englander

Heather Caygle of Punchbowl News joins the show to help hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller get smart on the new House Democratic leadership, including their leadership styles, power bases and relationship with soon-to-be former Speaker Pelosi. Then, Annalyse talks to Matt George, Seven Letter’s Head of Research, about some key findings from our Seven Letter voter priorities poll. Plus, debating if Congress and the President will get everything they want on their lame-duck holiday wish list.   Seven Letter Insight’s Post-Election Poll Gives Glimpse Into 2024 GOP Primary Seven Letter Insight’s Post-Election Poll of 2022 Midterm Voters Explores Trust in Institutions and Industries Seven Letter Insight’s Post-Election Poll of 2022 Midterm Voters Explores Changing Trust in Elections   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guests: Heather Caygle and Matt George Producer: Benji Englander

On a new episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down the busy lame duck session of Congress: Will an omnibus spending package get done – and when? Will the defense authorization fall victim to the ”war on woke”? And how does all this affect Kevin McCarthy’s quest for 218 votes? Then, former Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) joins the show to discuss the latest developments in China and Ukraine, along with the differences between the new GOP majority and his class of 2010.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Former Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) Producer: Benji Englander

On this episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Alyssa Farah Griffin – former Trump White House Communications Director and Freedom Caucus Spokesperson – to discuss the evolution of the House Freedom Caucus and what pressure the group may exert on Kevin McCarthy. Plus, a game of buy or sell on common DC narratives.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Alyssa Farah Griffin Producer: Benji Englander

Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman joins hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller to try make sense of the unexpected midterm election results and answer some big questions: Does Kevin McCarthy still have the votes to be the next Speaker? Will Mitch McConnell face real pressure to continue as Senate Leader? Is this the end of Nancy Pelosi’s career? And what’s in store for the lame duck session of Congress beginning soon?   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Jake Sherman Producer: Benji Englander

On the first episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller welcome former House Speaker Paul Ryan and discuss what to expect from a possible GOP majority in the House of Representatives. They talk about the outlook for Kevin McCarthy as Speaker, balancing campaign promises with legislative reality, and areas of potential policy action and oversight. Speaker Ryan shares his insights into how Republicans will wield their newfound power.   Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller Guest: Paul Ryan Producer: Benji Englander

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 following the 2022 midterm elections.