Wait just a minute. They were questions about actual writings and statements. Not smears at all.
People have a right to judge how he acts in response to those VALID questions.
Acknowledge reality, and defend your guy on that basis.
He wasn't accused. His answer was that he did not oversee what was written in his name.
Seems the "smear" card is a bit handy.
I think most are willing to believe him at his word on that one. Like him or not.
Crying "smear" invites more suspicion.