I ment it more in the sense that public figures should just straight up be held to a higher standard than Joe Schmoe when it comes to these things.

the person who made it knew it was false

Someone in this position should just be expected to know better and if otherswise be expected to prove these kinds of claims.

Just like I feel they are supposed to divest when they enter public office and be barred from investing in anything while holding any kind of position of power instead of becoming obscenely wealthy in this period of "public service".

But don't worry, i'm fully aware these things are all naive pipe dreams in this system.

Usually it isn't really legally separate anymore and is just defamation regardless of how you do it

Proving that Tommy Tuberville knew, or knows, anything would be pretty much impossible.