smear tactics

"We agree that Presidential politics should be above such smear tactics."

"We're absolutely convinced that the American people will reject these smear tactics."

That allows the main contenders to distance themselves from the smear tactics.

"I am outraged that on the eve of a primary these smear tactics and allegations continue."

Smear tactics are commonly used to undermine effective arguments or critiques.

I think the press, however subconsciously, is afraid of the smear tactics of the right.

Ms. Clark has rebuffed talk of her links to the scandal as "smear tactics".

Given the grubby smear tactics of the article (repeated here) I thought it was pretty gutless.

For the sake of robust debate, we will distinguish between constructive, focused argument and smear tactics.

Finally, the document reports on a series of "smear tactics" purportedly used by the administration in dealing with its political adversaries.

The term has since entered American political jargon equating swift boat service with smear tactics.

Smear tactics are considered by many to be a low, disingenuous form of discourse; they are nevertheless very common.

Mr. Rove also understands, better than anyone else in American politics, the power of smear tactics.

Scotty was managing Lee's campaign and using smear tactics to discredit Luke.

"We're not engaged in any smear tactics," Mr. Dole told reporters.

McCain was upset by the notorious smear tactics against her husband in the South Carolina primary that year.

Mr. Clinton called the comments "smear tactics."

This includes smear tactics, misrepresentations, distortions and misstatements.

"The nature of these smear tactics is denial," Mr. Badillo said.

"It's a grassroots response to the pro-death lobby attacking my faith with anti-family smear tactics.

Smear tactics differ from normal discourse or debate in that they do not bear upon the issues or arguments in question.

But it may still work - Mr. Bush's pre-debate rise in the polls is testimony to the effectiveness of smear tactics.

She accused her opponents of using smear tactics against her, but declined to provide names of those she said had done so.

Republicans roared back on Tuesday, accusing Mr. Kerry of "smear tactics" for saying the president should answer questions about his service record.

Dr. Davis said that those aiming "smear tactics" against her - she refused to name names - were ignoring her accomplishments.