muckrake

barnstorm lobby politick stump

agitate canvass contest crusade electioneer run tour

contend for go to grass roots hit the trail mend fences mudsling press the flesh ring doorbells run for shake hands and kiss babies solicit votes stand for whistle-stop

consider examine explore inspect interrogate probe question review scrutinize search study

bug case delve dig eyeball frisk inquire poke prospect pry read reconnoiter research scout sift spy tap wiretap

be all ears check out check over check up feel out give the once-over go into inquisite listen in look into look over make inquiry nose around put to the test run down stake out

answer forget ignore neglect reply

leave alone overlook

belittle besmirch defame defile denigrate disparage libel malign scandalize smear sully tarnish vilify

asperse assail attack backbite belie blaspheme blister blot calumniate curse damage decry depreciate derogate detract dishonor hit hurt injure pan plaster revile roast scorch slam slur smirch sneer strumpet traduce

bad-mouth blacken name cast a slur on give a bad name run smear campaign sling mud tear down

approve clean commend compliment flatter honor laud praise

aid assist cure exalt fix heal help increase mend

glorify