clay that he had never believed the corrupt bargain smear. they all in the late 18 twenties fell into the same camp as jackson's supporter richard mentor johnson. who said at the time that old hickory's men would oppose adams and clay even quote, if they act as pure as the angels that stand at the right hand of the throne of god. >> well, in conclusion let's recall that the nature of a smear is either to fabricate a believable lie or bend the truth to the purpose of making a credible otherwise insupportable allegations. in that regard, the construction of a smear is by necessity counter factual. a truth becomes an obstacle to the smears purpose or it is made malleable and this becomes a tool to advance its purpose. at some point in this process, and as a result of it, this mere becomes a solace and corrosive project for those who promoted and those who believe it. those who promoted and know its origins must make a fountain bargain at the outset and that is the most thoroughly corrupt bargain of all. the rationalization that the sacrifice of integrity is justified by the higher good of writing a wrong or stopping an injustice. jackson's uncann