SKDK: A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Influential Democratic PR & Consulting Firm
SKDK (formerly SKDKnickerbocker) is one of the most powerful Democratic-aligned strategic communications and public affairs firms in the U.S. Known for its deep ties to the Biden administration, Democratic leadership, and progressive causes, the firm plays a major role in shaping political narratives, crisis management, and corporate PR strategies.
---
1. Founding & Background - Founded: 2000 (originally as Squier Knapp Dunn) - Key Founders: - Anita Dunn (Biden’s former senior advisor) - Bill Knapp (Democratic ad strategist) - Hilary Rosen (political commentator, former RIAA head) - Josh Isay (former aide to Sen. Chuck Schumer) - Name Changes: - Merged with Knickerbocker SKD (2013) → Became SKDKnickerbocker - Rebranded as SKDK (2020)
---
2. Core Business & Clientele SKDK operates in three main areas:
A. Political Campaigns & Democratic Party Work - Presidential Campaigns: - Joe Biden 2020 (Anita Dunn was a senior advisor) - Hillary Clinton 2016 (key messaging strategy) - Barack Obama 2008 & 2012 (strategic communications) - Senate & Gubernatorial Races: - Helped elect Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in 2020-2022. - Advised Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ). - Progressive Advocacy Groups: - Worked with Planned Parenthood, NAACP, Human Rights Campaign, and March for Our Lives.
B. Corporate & Crisis PR - Represents Fortune 500 companies, including: - Amazon (labor relations, antitrust battles) - Pfizer (COVID-19 vaccine messaging) - Uber (regulatory battles, gig worker policies) - Controversial Clients: - Faced criticism for working with Big Pharma and Big Tech while also advising progressive groups.
C. Government & Public Affairs - Many SKDK alumni hold top White House and Democratic leadership roles. - Revolving Door: - Anita Dunn (Biden’s senior advisor) - Kate Bedingfield (ex-White House Communications Director) - Jamal Brown (ex-Pentagon spokesperson)
---
3. Major Controversies & Criticisms A. Conflicts of Interest - Critics argue SKDK blurs the line between government service and corporate lobbying. - Example: Anita Dunn advised Biden while SKDK worked for Amazon, which was under antitrust scrutiny.
B. Use of "Dark PR" Tactics - Accused of running opposition research and smear campaigns against political opponents. - Helped craft attacks on Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) during the 2020 Democratic primaries.
C. Autopen Scandal (2024) - Reports revealed SKDK’s Anita Dunn authorized the use of an autopen to sign President Biden’s name on official documents, raising transparency concerns.
---
4. Influence & Legacy - One of the top Democratic consulting firms, rivaling GMMB and Precision Strategies. - Shapes media narratives through deep connections with journalists at CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times. - Trains future Democratic operatives, with many staffers moving into government roles.
---
Conclusion SKDK is a powerhouse in Democratic politics, corporate PR, and crisis management. While highly effective, its influence raises ethical questions about lobbying, corporate ties, and political manipulation. The firm remains central to Biden’s messaging strategy, even as controversies like the autopen scandal draw scrutiny.
MeyerLansky 0 points 5 hours ago
SKDK: A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Influential Democratic PR & Consulting Firm
SKDK (formerly SKDKnickerbocker) is one of the most powerful Democratic-aligned strategic communications and public affairs firms in the U.S. Known for its deep ties to the Biden administration, Democratic leadership, and progressive causes, the firm plays a major role in shaping political narratives, crisis management, and corporate PR strategies.
---
1. Founding & Background
- Founded: 2000 (originally as Squier Knapp Dunn)
- Key Founders:
- Anita Dunn (Biden’s former senior advisor)
- Bill Knapp (Democratic ad strategist)
- Hilary Rosen (political commentator, former RIAA head)
- Josh Isay (former aide to Sen. Chuck Schumer)
- Name Changes:
- Merged with Knickerbocker SKD (2013) → Became SKDKnickerbocker
- Rebranded as SKDK (2020)
---
2. Core Business & Clientele
SKDK operates in three main areas:
A. Political Campaigns & Democratic Party Work
- Presidential Campaigns:
- Joe Biden 2020 (Anita Dunn was a senior advisor)
- Hillary Clinton 2016 (key messaging strategy)
- Barack Obama 2008 & 2012 (strategic communications)
- Senate & Gubernatorial Races:
- Helped elect Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in 2020-2022.
- Advised Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ).
- Progressive Advocacy Groups:
- Worked with Planned Parenthood, NAACP, Human Rights Campaign, and March for Our Lives.
B. Corporate & Crisis PR
- Represents Fortune 500 companies, including:
- Amazon (labor relations, antitrust battles)
- Pfizer (COVID-19 vaccine messaging)
- Uber (regulatory battles, gig worker policies)
- Controversial Clients:
- Faced criticism for working with Big Pharma and Big Tech while also advising progressive groups.
C. Government & Public Affairs
- Many SKDK alumni hold top White House and Democratic leadership roles.
- Revolving Door:
- Anita Dunn (Biden’s senior advisor)
- Kate Bedingfield (ex-White House Communications Director)
- Jamal Brown (ex-Pentagon spokesperson)
---
3. Major Controversies & Criticisms
A. Conflicts of Interest
- Critics argue SKDK blurs the line between government service and corporate lobbying.
- Example: Anita Dunn advised Biden while SKDK worked for Amazon, which was under antitrust scrutiny.
B. Use of "Dark PR" Tactics
- Accused of running opposition research and smear campaigns against political opponents.
- Helped craft attacks on Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) during the 2020 Democratic primaries.
C. Autopen Scandal (2024)
- Reports revealed SKDK’s Anita Dunn authorized the use of an autopen to sign President Biden’s name on official documents, raising transparency concerns.
---
4. Influence & Legacy
- One of the top Democratic consulting firms, rivaling GMMB and Precision Strategies.
- Shapes media narratives through deep connections with journalists at CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times.
- Trains future Democratic operatives, with many staffers moving into government roles.
---
Conclusion
SKDK is a powerhouse in Democratic politics, corporate PR, and crisis management. While highly effective, its influence raises ethical questions about lobbying, corporate ties, and political manipulation. The firm remains central to Biden’s messaging strategy, even as controversies like the autopen scandal draw scrutiny.