Each sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words or sets of words labeled A through E. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole. 

Example:

 Medieval kingdoms did not become constitutional republics overnight; on the contrary, the change was ----. 

(A) unpopular (B) unexpected (C) advantageous (D) sufficient (E) gradual 

 In an attempt to malign and misrepresent their opponents, some candidates resort to 

(A) arbitration (B) narcissism (C) calumny (D) tenacity (E) solicitude