attacking the character of the opponent
Definition
when the arguments include statements about the opposing character not just the topic being argued about
when the arguments include statements about the opposing character not just the topic being argued about
Examples
| Instead of asking the witness about the current matter, he was question him about what he did in the past. He was bringing up the witness' character and credibility making it a ad hominem. |
| When Obama was asked to give a response for what Sarah Palin said about his nuclear weapon plan he attacked Palin's character. He says "Sarah Palin's no expert on nuclear issues." Instead of replying to her claim he is bringing up he knowledge. |