[KellyAdmirer]

"They basically accused her of being a criminal. That's slander, or in this case, libel, per se."

Not if it's true, it isn't. And exactly who did the "accusing"? And is the spreading of truth "accusing" someone of anything?

[Gladwin]

Actually, not.

Libel per se
(purr say) adj. Latin for "by itself," meaning inherently. Thus, a published writing which falsely accuses another of having a sexually transmitted disease or being a convicted felon is "libel per se," without further explanation of the meaning of the statement.

http://www.tpub.com/content/photography/14130/css/14130_175.htm

It's a slamdunk since Arnold's campaign accused her of being a criminal.