CONTROL

Mike Johnson Walks Into the Ring feat. Hans Nichols

It’s not the start of a joke, it’s a new episode of CONTROL! Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the state of the Johnson-Trump relationship before turning their attention to the big questions in the Senate: Will Matt Gaetz be confirmed? Will the Judiciary Committee get access to the ethics report? And how will new GOP Leader John Thune navigate this process? Then, Axios’ Hans Nichols – author of the new daily newsletter Hill Leaders – joins the show to share what he’s hearing about all the major figures on Capitol Hill.
 
Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller
Guest: Hans Nichols
Producer: Benji Englander
 
Articles Discussed
Fox News: Trump flanked by top allies, cabinet picks at UFC 309: 'USA, USA'
Politico: Trump endorses Johnson hours ahead of GOP speaker vote
NBC News: House Ethics Committee to meet Wednesday to discuss Matt Gaetz report
Politico: Matt Gaetz feels the heat
Axios: Trump dares Senate Republicans with Gaetz nomination
NPR: Trump picks loyalists for top jobs, testing loyalty of Senate GOP

The Johns vs Rick – Who Will Lead the GOP?

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

The GOP takes CONTROL: What Just Happened and What Happens Next?

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

Downballot 2024: Prediction Time

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

Downballot 2024: The Republican Perspective feat. Jessica Anderson

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

Downballot 2024: The Democratic Perspective feat. Doug Thornell

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

It May Be A Long December Feat. Jonathan Tamari

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

Shutdown Threat Looms, Does the Senate Care Yet? Feat. Burgess Everett

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, but How Long Will This Funding Plan Survive? Feat. Jake Sherman

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

Where Did Appropriations Go Wrong? Feat. Former Speaker John Boehner

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