The Smear

A New York Times–bestselling in-depth look at how propaganda is implemented in contemporary American politics.

“I don’t know any journalist like Sharyl Attkisson. She has no fear and she doesn’t stop until she gets all of the facts, like an old-fashioned gumshoe detective.” —Greta Van Susteren

Behind most major political stories there is an agenda: to destroy an idea or the people advancing it. Maybe you read that Donald Trump is a racist misogynist, saw a Facebook post about Russian hackers, or heard that Hillary Clinton used a body double during her campaign. Regardless of the accuracy, the themes get repeated until they are accepted by many as truth. It’s called “the smear.” Sophisticated operatives work behind the scenes to establish narratives, manipulate journalists, and shape the images you see everyday. Nothing is by accident.

Now investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson takes you behind the scenes of the modern smear machine, exploring how operatives from super PACs, corporations, and both sides of the political aisle have manipulated a complicit mainstream media to make disinformation, rumor, and dirty tricks defining traits of our democracy.

And she doesn’t just tell stories—she names names, sharing her deeply researched account of how smears take shape and who their perpetrators are—from Clinton confidant Sidney Blumenthal to liberal political operative David Brock. Dissecting the most divisive, partisan election in American history, she explores how both sides used every smear tactic as a political weapon, culminating in Donald Trump’s victory, even as his detractors have continued their smears against him into the Oval Office.

What emerges is a timely assault on the mainstream media’s willingness to sacrifice ethics for clicks, and the cynical politicians and high-paid consultants who exploit this reality.

Attkisson exposes the diabolical tactics of Smear artists, and their outrageous access to the biggest names in political media—operatives who are corrupting the political process, and discouraging widespread citizen involvement in our democracy.