I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.

The line is a pointed piece of campaign wit: Stevenson frames political conflict as a contest between deception and candor, implying his side is attacked with falsehoods while his own criticisms are grounded in fact. The “bargain” structure turns moral indignation into a memorable quip, suggesting that negative campaigning could end if opponents abandoned dishonesty. It also acknowledges, with a touch of irony, that “telling the truth” about an opponent can be damaging—yet claims ethical high ground by defining that damage as deserved. As a rhetorical move, it simultaneously rebukes smear tactics and licenses sharp critique under the banner of truth.

1) “I have a bargain to offer my opponents: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.”
2) “If my opponents will stop lying about me, I’ll stop telling the truth about them.”