If you read this 294 page book you will learn a lot about the smears that are going on. It will help you recognize a smear at it's very beginning, I think, vs. a well developed or completed smear. Do you remember Don Imus? He was probably the first truly smeared to near destruction - by the current players anyway.
The names in the book may be known to you. The names of the organizations very likely known to you.
Attkisson outlines six steps in the smear: Launch, Distribution, Outreach, Escalation, Demands, and Pressure. Remember Glenn Beck? Bill O'Reilly? Smeared.
Also, you will recognize this series of instructions:
Admit nothing.
Deny everything.
Demand proof.
Make counter allegations.
And, Discredit the opposition.
You'll see these techniques every night on TV when there are opposing views. With politicians from one side at least.
A book well worth reading.
