Some smear campaigns provide spin (3)
I believe the answer is:
arc
'spin' is the definition.
(arc can mean to curve or spin)
'some smear campaigns provide' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some of the parts of the word are used).
'ARC' is hidden within 'smear campaigns provide'.
(Other definitions for arc that I've seen before include "be rapidly discharged" , "A curve; a discharge" , "less than the complete circuit" , "Electrical spark" , "Curved path" .)