We also talk with someone with firsthand knowledge of the practice: Ben LaBolt, the national press secretary for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign.

Background reading:

• Campaign opposition research is standard, Mr. Martin writes. But “oppo” from hostile nations isn't.

• A historical “oppo” refresher: Mr. Romney’s car elevator | John Edwards’s haircut | George W. Bush’s drunken-driving charge

Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb.

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