The title of the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States is claimed by The New York Post. It was founded in 1801 by Alexander Hamilton for the simple and express purpose of smearing the name of Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson survived. The Post survived. Freedom of the press survived. The nation survived. Hamilton, well, not so much.
Less than a year before, the still prototype Electoral College was deadlocked between Jefferson and (minor key foreshadowing music here) Aaron Burr. Hamilton used his considerable influence to tip the presidency to Jefferson as the lesser of two evils.