These kinds of attacks cannot be tolerated. I’m not saying it’s not important to discuss character, and to look into the lives of those running for president, but it is vital that voters and media recognize that when it’s time to discuss policy or positions, personal attacks render an argument totally invalid. Often we have seen questions asked involving a specific policy or the opposing position on a particular issue, only to receive an answer that is nothing more than an insult or accusation thrown at their opponent. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., reinforced his support for former primary rival, now-Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton at a Madison Read… Sanders backs Clinton education policies at Madison rally U.S. This happens frequently in debates and interviews involving the candidates or their representatives, and while it tends to hurt former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton more, she is not innocent of the ad hominem fallacy. It’s fairly obvious and easy to spot, but a fallacy nonetheless. Ad hominem surfaces when a rebuttal or an attack is focused directly on a particular person or their character, as opposed to their position on a particular issue. This is perhaps the most obvious type of fallacy we have seen so far, and is not unique to this election. I would like to examine three types of fallacy that have been particularly pertinent to the presidential election thus far, and hopefully through increased awareness and understanding of these logical blunders we can all take a step toward making an informed decision this November. I’m sure the vast majority of people taking the time to read this have heard of fallacy and have a sound understanding of it, but I’m afraid the voters and media of our country have either forgotten or chosen to ignore fallacies this election season.

Logical fallacy is defined by Oxford English Dictionary as “a failure in reasoning which renders an argument invalid.”Ĭontrary to the title, I’m not writing this because I want to give an English lesson.

Red herring fallacy political debate