Press

Donald Trump used his first election rally in Waco, Texas, to cast the 2024 presidential vote in apocalyptic terms, slam his leading Republican rival Ron DeSantis and rail against prosecutors pursuing him with criminal investigations he likened to a “Stalinist Russia horror show.” Speaking to several thousand of his diehard supporters, Trump spent much of his nearly two-hour speech attacking the multiple investigations that have put him in legal peril as politically motivated.

In Reuters, ROKK co-founder and partner Ron Bonjean noted how Trump’s escalating rhetoric has repelled at least some within his own party. Get the full story here.

ROKK Solutions’ newest data program RADIUS, a suite of data programs designed to help clients create and drive the most effective campaigns, was recently highlighted in the Capitol Communicator.

Rachel Winer, EVP of Digital & Paid Media at ROKK Solutions, emphasized the significance of adapting communication strategies to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. “As communication plays a critical role in today’s dynamic environment, we recognize the need for organizations to stay ahead of the curve.”

For more information on RADIUS, check out the feature in Capitol Communicator, here.

ROKK Solutions Partner Kristen Hawn discusses how the press can ‘fairly describe’ DeSantis’ comment that Ukraine aid is not a ‘vital’ U.S. interest as a ‘flip-flop,’ on Fox News Live. Watch the replay here. 

Republicans are blaming the nation’s second-largest bank failure on corporate “wokeness,” not lax regulation, ill-fated business decisions or panicked customers rushing to pull out their money.

There is no consensus among conservatives on what the GOP means by “woke” but it’s used as a catch-all term for identity and other liberal politics, including diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the corporate sector. 

Did environmental, social and governance principles cause the collapse? 

Environmental, social and governance principles had nothing to do with the bank’s failure, according to Lindsay Singleton, chief development officer of public affairs firm Rokk Solutions.

“Blaming the opposing political party will almost certainly win more votes than blaming a misunderstood investment framework,” Singleton said. Get the full story here.

Conservative attacks on ESG investing have spread to statehouses across the country. Now business groups are fighting back.

From North Dakota to Mississippi, state lawmakers have defeated proposals that would bar state governments or pension funds from doing business with financial institutions that follow ESG – environmental, social and governance – principles, making way for weakened versions of legislation.

ROKK Solutions co-founding partner Ron Bonjean spoke with USA Today and discussed why voters, including Republicans, oppose government action to curb ESG investment. Get the full story here.

On March 3, Walgreens announced it would not offer abortion pills in 20 states, even where they remain legal, leading to other consumers and politicians calling out Walgreens on social media. However recently, Walgreens tweeted a clarification on its position.

ROKK Solutions Chief Development Officer Lindsay Singleton spoke on this messaging from Walgreens and noted how “anytime you’re explaining or clarifying, you’re losing. There is risk no matter what you do, but that risk increases dramatically when an organization has to backtrack or clarify.”

Check out this piece in PR News and get more from Lindsay here.

Ken Cuccinelli, a former senior official in Donald Trump’s administration, recently threw his backing behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, a move that could help DeSantis gain traction among grassroots voters so far loyal to Trump. While Trump has officially launched another run for the White House, DeSantis has made no announcement yet that he plans to seek higher office, although he is widely expected to contest for the Republican presidential nomination.

In Reuters, ROKK co-founder and partner Ron Bonjean discussed how Cuccinelli’s move could give some Trump backers “permission to be supportive of DeSantis”. Get the full story here.

In Bloomberg’s “Sound On,” Bloomberg Washington Correspondent Joe Mathieu delivers insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy.

On the politics panel in this episode, ROKK Partner Kristen Hawn and former Republican National Committee Communications Director Lisa Camooso Miller sat down with Bloomberg’s Joe Mathieu to discuss the topic of railroad regulations and President Biden’s 2024 budget battle amid the debt ceiling showdown. Listen to the episode here.

The Parental Rights in Education Act — widely referred to by critics as “Don’t Say Gay” — prohibits Floridian educators in kindergarten through third grade from addressing gender or sexual orientation in class, and restricts what teachers in upper grades can say on the topic. The Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act — or Stop WOKE — bars the teaching of critical race theory in Florida schools, an academic framework for examining systemic racism. 

James Nash, ROKK Senior Vice President, spoke on this topic in a Washington Post piece and shared his thoughts on why Florida has become the “center of gravity” for conservative policymaking. Read his response here.

As more and more consumers shift to streaming services for their entertainment needs, connected TV advertising is becoming an increasingly popular way for brands to reach more targeted audiences. However, with new trends and technologies emerging all the time, running effective CTV ads can be a complex, constantly evolving process.

For brands considering placing ads on CTV devices adjacent to apps, shows, movies, livestreams and other streaming content in 2023, it’s important to understand key factors that can impact the success of the ads CTV users see. 

Rachel Winer, ROKK Executive Vice President of Digital and Paid Media, was featured in the Forbes Agency Council piece and shared her thoughts on things brands looking to run CTV ads need to keep in mind to achieve a strong return on investment. Read her response here.