CONTROL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Oversight and Investigations Feat. Mark Epley

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

Understanding the New House Democratic Leadership Feat. Heather Caygle

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