When it comes to presidential elections, all politics is dirty. As Susan Estrich, Michael Dukakis's campaign manager in 1988, says, "He who doesn't throw mud ends up covered in it." The 2008 election has been no exception to the truth that Dukakis learned the hard way, and we can look forward to almost six more months of mud blizzards before Election Day clears the campaign skies in November. This story covers smears by political operatives on campaigns or 527 groups. Stephanie Mencimer examines dirty tricks in politics, like the recent rumors that Barack Obama is a practicing Muslim. Who are the opposition researchers or tricksters who dig up this dirt? Our investigation answers these questions and more.

When it comes to presidential elections, all politics is dirty. As Susan Estrich, Michael Dukakis's campaign manager in 1988, says, "He who doesn't throw mud ends up covered in it." The 2008 election has been no exception to the truth that Dukakis learned the hard way, and we can look forward to almost six more months of mud blizzards before Election Day clears the campaign skies in November. This story covers smears by political operatives on campaigns or 527 groups. Stephanie Mencimer examines dirty tricks in politics, like the recent rumors that Barack Obama is a practicing Muslim. Who are the opposition researchers or tricksters who dig up this dirt? Our investigation answers these questions and more.