In American politics, candidates for office often resort to attacking each other rather than debating the issues that are most salient to the voting public. This political "smearing" of one's opponent is an example of the use of ________ arguments.
A) catastrophizing
B) ad hominem
C) extension fallacy
D) "appeal to scare"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ad hominem arguments are personal attacks on an opponent's character or background rather than addressing the relevant issues. In this case, attacking one's opponent instead of debating the issues is a classic example of an ad hominem argument.

In American Politics, Candidates for Office Often Resort to Attacking