Best Matt Bresnahan Podcasts (2025)

1
Deadlines, Deadlocks, and Disarray Feat. Igor Bobic 44:41

Play Pause

23h ago44:41

44:41

Republicans and Democrats are gearing up for a shutdown and neither side appears ready to blink. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by HuffPost senior reporter Igor Bobic to break down the stalemate. They discuss the strange timeline, compare this debate to past shutdown fights, and question Senator Schumer’s endgame. Plus, will the …

1
What is the Democrats' Shutdown Plan? Feat. Joel Payne, MoveOn 1:02:59

8d ago1:02:59

1:02:59

After many close calls, is this the time Congress actually shuts down the government? With just two weeks left until funding runs out, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the state-of-play. Can Speaker Johnson wrangle enough votes again? Will soaring tensions in the Senate scuttle any deal? They also talk about the murder of Charlie Kirk and i…

1
Back from Recess, Staring at a Shutdown Feat. Ali Vitali 1:01:44

15d ago1:01:44

1:01:44

After an extended summer break, Congress is back in session with one major item on the to-do list: fund the government. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller debate the odds of a shutdown and the challenging dynamics facing Senate Minority Leader Schumer. They also discuss the latest with the Epstein case and the impending changes to confirming nominees…

1
Six Months of GOP Control of Washington Feat. Jonathan Martin 54:57

2M ago54:57

54:57

Six months into the Trump administration and with Congress headed out for a long summer recess, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin to take stock of where we are and where we might be headed. They cover President Trump’s interest – or lack thereof – in Congressional policy debates, the outlook for appropriation…

1
Is a Shutdown Back on the Table? Feat. Katherine Tully-McManus 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

With reconciliation in the rear-view mirror, the countdown is on to the next government funding deadline. But first Congress must deal with a rescissions package that is making the appropriations process even more contentious than usual. To break it all down, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by POLITICO’s Katherine Tully-McManus, a congr…

1
Where Does the Freedom Caucus Go from Here? Feat. Matt Fuller 1:05:38

3M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

The One Big Beautiful Bill is now law, with the Freedom Caucus again at the center of the drama. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Matt Fuller, Congressional Bureau Chief at NOTUS and long-time chronicler of the Freedom Caucus, to discuss the group’s history, recent actions and future moves. Plus, reconciliation “Winners and Losers” an…

1
The Megabill’s Moment of Truth Feat. Eleanor Mueller 33:55

3M ago33:55

33:55

As House and Senate leaders continue to move the One Big Beautiful Bill forward, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down the latest developments in Congress. They offer their reactions to Senator Tillis’ retirement announcement, forecast how both the Freedom Caucus and moderates may react to the changes put in the bill by the Senate, and wonder…

1
Can the Senate Deliver Before the Fourth of July? Feat. John Bresnahan 54:29

3M ago54:29

54:29

As the self-imposed Fourth of July deadline nears, the Senate is set for a pivotal week in their efforts to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss changes to the bill from the “Byrd Bath” and what hurdles remain. Plus, they consider the Congressional reaction to strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Then, Pu…

1
What the Trump-Elon Breakup Means for Congress Feat. Dasha Burns 45:57

4M ago45:57

45:57

It is the feud that has consumed Washington, but what does President Trump and Elon Musk’s falling out mean for Congress’ agenda? Dasha Burns – POLITICO Playbook's Chief Correspondent, White House Bureau Chief and Host of "The Conversation” – joins Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller to discuss Musk’s rise and fall in Trumpworld and what it portends f…

1
All Eyes on the Senate Feat. Burgess Everett 50:26

4M ago50:26

50:26

On a new episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller reflect on Speaker Johnson’s latest magic act in passing the One Big Beautiful Bill before pivoting to the action in the Senate with the help of Semafor’s Congressional Bureau Chief Burgess Everett. They discuss the dynamics and personalities involved as Senators look to put their …

1
Mike Johnson’s Make-or-Break Moment 45:58

4M ago45:58

45:58

It’s the biggest week of Mike Johnson’s speakership, which means a trio of hosts are needed to break down all the intrigue around the One Big Beautiful Bill. Brendan Buck, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss the drama over SALT and Medicaid before previewing the upcoming, late-night rules committee hearing. Plus, is now the time for President Tr…

1
Game Day in House Committees Feat. Zach Cohen 1:01:26

4M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Three House Committees are teed up to consider their pieces of the "Big, Beautiful Bill," but big questions remain. Hosts Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck discuss how moderates largely triumphed in the debate on Medicaid, what fiscal hawks have to say about that, and how the SALT issue still threatens the entire reconciliation package. After weighi…

1
The Biggest Hurdle: Medicaid 101 Feat. Jonathan Burks 47:52

5M ago47:52

47:52

With key markups delayed and internal GOP debates spilling into public view, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the state of the “one, big, beautiful bill” – and if it will get passed at all. Then, Jonathan Burks, Executive Vice President of Economic and Health Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center and former Chief of Staff to Speaker …

1
The Reconciliation Rubber Meets the Road 35:08

5M ago35:08

35:08

After a two-week recess, Members of Congress are returning to a packed schedule of reconciliation markups – but with deadlines already slipping, what kind of progress can the GOP make? Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the path ahead, including timing, potential pitfalls and if moderates will stand firm in defense of Medicaid. Plus, a …

1
Budget Battles & Backlash 37:48

6M ago37:48

37:48

All are eyes are on the House of Representatives (again). Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the fallout from the Senate passing the budget resolution and gauge its chances in the House. Can Speaker Johnson quell the rising complaints among the Republican Conference and keep the reconciliation process moving forward? Plus, after days of…

1
Another Make or Break Week for the GOP Feat. Laura Weiss 43:05

6M ago43:05

43:05

It is another make or break week for Congressional Republicans as the Senate tees up a vote on a budget resolution. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Punchbowl News’ Laura Weiss to answer some big questions about the reconciliation debate. Is the new timeline feasible? How will the two chambers handle different budget instruction…

1
Reconciliation Heats up and Democrats Melt Down, Feat. Liam Donovan 57:23

6M ago57:23

57:23

The House and Senate return following the passage of a CR, and the next thing on the table is a return to budget reconciliation negotiations. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Liam Donovan, senior political strategist at Bracewell, to talk about where discussions stand, what obstacles remain, and how long this thing may take. Plus what…

1
Will Republicans Avoid a Shutdown? Feat. Nicholas Wu 49:28

7M ago49:28

49:28

With government funding set to run out in a matter of days, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by POLITICO congressional reporter Nicholas Wu to assess the shutdown state-of-play. They discuss if Speaker Johnson can muster the votes for a CR, the differing strategies of House and Senate Democrats, and what the censure of Al Green portends …

1
Congress Welcomes the Trump Show Feat. Chad Pergram of Fox News 1:10:37

7M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Before President Trump addresses a Joint Session of Congress, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the outlook for his agenda: What are the next steps for reconciliation? Can the Senate make the budget math work? And will a government shutdown get in the way? Then, Seven Letter’s Mike Ricci joins the show to talk about State of the Union respon…

1
The House’s Big Week is Here 47:58

7M ago47:58

47:58

After weeks of buildup, the moment of truth arrives – can Speaker Johnson pass the budget resolution? Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller dive into all the scenarios at play and how the Senate will respond after advancing down their two-bill track. Later, they debate the congressional politics of DOGE and if lawmakers can reassert their power of…

1
Reconciliation Collision Course Feat. Garrett Haake 48:01

8M ago48:01

48:01

With the House and Senate on a collision course over reconciliation, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller explore which strategy has the best chance of success and how some of the wonkier aspects of the process may trip up the GOP’s plans. Then, NBC News’ senior White House correspondent Garrett Haake joins the show to offer his insight on the Tr…

1
After a Wild January, What Does February Have in Store? Feat. Rachael Bade 51:04

8M ago51:04

51:04

What a year the past month has been – to help make sense of the flurry of news over the last two weeks, Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by POLITICO’s Capitol Bureau Chief Rachael Bade. Together, they discuss the latest on House Republicans’ spending fight, Elon Musk’s influence on the White House, and the outlook for President Trump’s m…

1
Welcome to Trump’s Washington 36:33

8M ago36:33

36:33

President Trump is back in the Oval Office. Hosts Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck discuss the flurry of activity on Inauguration Day – the speech, the executive orders, the pardons and more – and analyze what it means for Capitol Hill. Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck Producer: Benji Englander Articles Discussed: NYT: What Trump Did on Day …

1
Confirmation Kick-Off Feat. Annie Karni 48:38

8M ago48:38

48:38

All eyes are on the Senate this week with 13 of President-elect Trump’s nominees slated for confirmation hearings. After first discussing the latest developments on reconciliation, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Annie Karni, congressional correspondent at The New York Times, to assess the state-of-play on some of Trump’s more …

1
Speaker Johnson Triumphs on the First Ballot – What’s Next for the MAGA Agenda? 36:38

9M ago36:38

36:38

The 119th Congress is off to a rollicking start and hosts Brendan Buck and Mike Ricci analyze the most pressing questions: After securing victory on the first ballot, how strong is Speaker Johnson’s standing in the Conference? Will he be able to move Trump’s agenda through the House? Drawing on their experience from 2017, they offer their opinions …

1
Steering Into the Holidays 40:15

9M ago40:15

40:15

It’s the last week in the legislative calendar and the last episode of CONTROL for the year, leaving plenty of hot topics for hosts Brendan Buck, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci. The trio discuss the relationship between President-elect Trump, Speaker Johnson and Incoming Senate Majority Leader Thune as they map out a plan for reconciliation and ana…

1
Reconciling the House and Senate Strategies, Feat. Manu Raju 44:27

10M ago44:27

44:27

It’s the question that shape the agenda next year: Will Congress do two reconciliation bills in 2025 or jam everything into one package? Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the differing plans from incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith, as well as answer key questions about the reconciliation pro…

1
Parliamentary Inquiries feat. Tom Wickham 55:23

10M ago55:23

55:23

The House and Senate return this week to begin wrapping up this Congress, while planning for the next one is picking up speed. With Republicans set to hold the smallest majority in about a century next Congress, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down how the margin will impact policymaking next year. They get into what’s left on the agen…

1
Mike Johnson Walks Into the Ring feat. Hans Nichols 46:33

10M ago46:33

46:33

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 …

1
The Johns vs Rick – Who Will Lead the GOP? 36:03

11M ago36:03

36:03

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, a…

1
The GOP takes CONTROL: What Just Happened and What Happens Next? 33:32

11M ago33:32

33:32

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…

1
Downballot 2024: Prediction Time 43:54

11M ago43:54

43:54

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 Buc…

1
Downballot 2024: The Republican Perspective feat. Jessica Anderson 47:42

11M ago47:42

47:42

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, …

1
Downballot 2024: The Democratic Perspective feat. Doug Thornell 46:06

12M ago46:06

46:06

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 a…

1
It May Be A Long December Feat. Jonathan Tamari 41:31

1y ago41:31

41:31

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 sh…

1
Shutdown Threat Looms, Does the Senate Care Yet? Feat. Burgess Everett 43:33

1y ago43:33

43:33

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 t…

1
Congress Is Back, but How Long Will This Funding Plan Survive? Feat. Jake Sherman 46:01

1y ago46:01

46:01

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. …

1
Where Did Appropriations Go Wrong? Feat. Former Speaker John Boehner 58:27

1y ago58:27

58:27

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 …

1
Biden’s Out, Kamala’s In and Trump Picks Vance – What Now for Both Parties? 49:43

1y ago49:43

49:43

After one of the most newsworthy two-week stretches in recent memory, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are back to make sense of everything that’s happened and where things may go. From President Biden’s decision not to stand for re-election to the groundswell of support for Vice President Harris to the assassination attempt on former President Trump…

1
Can Biden Hold the Hill? 48:23

1y ago48:23

48:23

As President Biden works to shore up support on Capitol Hill following his disastrous debate performance, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss the factors at play for congressional Democrats. How can Hakeem Jeffries maintain unity? What is the impact on down-ballot races? And what should House Republicans be doing amid all this? Plus, the appropr…

1
Prongs, Primaries and ‘Propriations 40:41

1+ y ago40:41

40:41

The House is back from recess and so are hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci. Appropriations bills are front and center this week, but the duo is also keeping their eyes on some other long-running topics, including Speaker Johnson’s oversight prongs, House primaries and the Senate leadership race – not to mention the Presidential debate and the Br…

1
Oversight Kicks Into Overdrive 32:46

1+ y ago32:46

32:46

As the fallout from the Trump verdict continues to shape Congress, hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci debate the latest moves from Republicans in the House and Senate targeting the Biden admin: will the vote to hold Merrick Garland in contempt succeed? What other actions can the House take? And can Mike Lee and other GOP senators hold up the Sena…

1
The Spending Wars Have Begun 40:46

1+ y ago40:46

40:46

With the House set to debate its first appropriations bill, hosts Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci analyze the outlook for appropriations season and some other happenings around Capitol Hill. They discuss the Fauci hearing, ICC sanctions, the border, and reproductive rights. Plus, some musings on elections taking place on both sides of the pond: Hous…

1
The Immigration Bill is Back – But Why? 34:22

1+ y ago34:22

34:22

After falling short months ago, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is bringing up the bipartisan immigration bill for another vote – what’s the play? Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by new co-host Mike Ricci, a partner at Seven Letter and former top advisor to Speakers Ryan and Boehner, to try to make sense of Schumer’s actions and a f…

1
Johnson Survives the MTV – What’s MTG’s Next Move? 38:03

1+ y ago38:03

38:03

The chips fell with the House resoundingly voting to table a motion to oust Speaker Johnson. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller dive into the next moves for the key players: Will Marjorie Taylor Greene trigger another vote? How will Speaker Johnson maintain party unity? And will anyone face consequences for their vote? Plus, a discussion of the…

1
Let the Chips Fall Where They May Feat. Andrew Solender of Axios 56:18

1+ y ago56:18

56:18

Is this the week that Marjorie Taylor Greene finally forces a vote to remove Speaker Johnson? Following a marathon meeting in the Speaker’s Office Monday afternoon, Greene and her allies leave us waiting on what’s next. In the meantime, hosts Annalyse Keller and Brendan Buck break down what to watch if a vote moves forward. They also discuss Johnso…

1
What Is Left For Congress The Rest Of The Year? 35:09

1+ y ago35:09

35:09

More like Motion to Vacation… With foreign aid passed and a light floor schedule this week, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller take a look down the road at what Congress needs to accomplish between now and the election, starting with FAA reauthorization. Then they discuss the latest developments with Speaker Johnson and the Motion to Vacate bef…

1
Bonus Episode: Johnson Gets Foreign Aid Done 36:40

1+ y ago36:40

36:40

On a special bonus episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller break down how Speaker Johnson got the foreign aid package over the line and what the fallout may be. Will he survive a Motion to Vacate? Can the “coalition government” of Republicans and Democrats keep the House functioning? And what else can Congress get done the rest o…

1
Is Now, Finally, the Moment for Foreign Aid? 38:17

1+ y ago38:17

38:17

Iran’s attack on Israel has scrambled the House calendar – with an aid package now the top priority. Hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller debate what will be included and how it can get through Congress. Then, they turn their attention down south where former President Trump offered support for Speaker Johnson, who also scored a win with the FISA…

1
Total Eclipse of the Chair 44:42

1+ y ago44:42

44:42

The solar eclipse has come and gone, but the Motion to Vacate still casts a shadow over Speaker Johnson. On the latest episode of CONTROL, hosts Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller discuss the paths available for Speaker Johnson to both pass Ukraine aid and keep his job. Plus, they talk about the impending impeachment trial for Secretary Mayorkas and …