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CONTROL

CONTROL

By: Seven Letter
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About this listen

CONTROL is a podcast hosted by Seven Letter’s Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci, 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. You can expect a new episode every Tuesday when Congress is in session.

Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • America Strikes Iran – How Will Congress Respond? Feat. Sabrina Singh
    Mar 3 2026

    In the wake of this weekend’s strikes against Iran and with the conflict continuing to spread, hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Seven Letter colleague Sabrina Singh, who served as Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary during the Biden administration. They discuss how the Trump administration has communicated about the war, the reaction from Capitol Hill, and what to watch for in the days ahead. Plus, will the conflict raise the pressure to pass DHS funding? And who has the edge in today’s Texas primary?

    Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

    Guest: Sabrina Singh

    Audio Producer: Benji Englander

    Video Producer: Regina Anderson

    Articles Discussed:

    New York Times: How Trump Decided to Go to War

    AP: Congress will debate an Iran conflict that is well underway

    Punchbowl: Congress’ war over the war

    CBS News: Iran strikes highlight fractures in GOP ahead of war powers votes in Congress

    New York Times: Democrats Denounce Trump’s Iran Attack, but Subtle Divisions Emerge

    Politico: Republicans use Iran strikes to pressure Dems in DHS funding fight

    CNN: Despite Trump push for voter ID law, Senate Republicans say votes aren’t there to change filibuster rules

    Semafor: Some Republicans back Trump on nationalization of voting

    Axios: GOP insiders fretting over Texas Senate primary

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • State of the Union: What’s on the Line? Feat. Sahil Kapur
    Feb 24 2026

    It’s State of the Union day! Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci share what they’ll be looking for during tonight’s speech and how lawmakers from both parties are likely to react. Then, they discuss the latest maneuvering around DHS funding, tariffs, and the SAVE America Act before being joined by Sahil Kapur, Senior National Political Reporter for NBC News, to learn the latest from Capitol Hill and the White House. When will the government shutdown end? Is the talking filibuster a realistic possibility? Is President Trump losing his grip on the GOP? All that and more only on CONTROL.

    Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

    Guest: Sahil Kapur, NBC News

    Audio Producer: Benji Englander

    Video Producer: Regina Anderson

    Articles Discussed:

    NYT: ‘It’s Going to Be a Long Speech’: Trump Prepares for State of the Union

    POLITICO: A high-stakes State of the Union just got harder for Trump

    Axios: Democratic response to Trump's SOTU becomes a crowded affair

    NBC News: 'Everyone here is irate': White House scrambles after tariff loss as Trump unloads on Supreme Court

    CNBC: Congress contemplates its role on tariffs after Supreme Court decision

    The Hill: Republicans eye opening for DHS deal this week as Democrats double down

    NBC News: Trump's election bill tops 50 Senate votes, but Democrats could still block it

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Can the Senate Break the DHS Funding Stalemate? Feat. Andrew Desiderio
    Feb 10 2026

    All signs point to a stalemate on Homeland Security funding – where does Congress go from here? Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss if a deal can be reached or if another shutdown is ahead. Then, Andrew Desiderio, senior congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, joins the show to share what he is hearing from the halls of the Senate. Plus, revelations in the Epstein files continue to roil Capitol Hill, pressure is rising to pass the SAVE America Act, and more Members head for the exits.

    Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

    Guest: Andrew Desiderio, Punchbowl News

    Audio Producer: Benji Englander

    Video Producer: Regina Anderson

    Articles Discussed:

    Punchbowl News: The Big Four, Trump and DHS

    Punchbowl News: WH responds to Democrats’ DHS overhaul

    Punchbowl News: Clintons continue sparring with Comer

    CNN: GOP lawmaker behind Congress’ Epstein push says Commerce Secretary Lutnick should resign over links

    The Hill: House GOP digs in on push for voting bill in hopes of pressuring Senate

    Matt’s Five Points: Talking Filibuster Explainer

    The Hill: Rep. Mark Amodei is 30th House Republican to not seek reelection

    NYT: The Troubled State of the Senate Has Members Eyeing Governorships

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
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