"Frankly, Michael Moore is an example of why the health care system costs so much in this country. He clearly is one of the reasons that we have a very expensive system. I know that from my own personal experience," said (Republican Presidential candidate Mike) Huckabee, who lost more than 110 pounds and became an avid runner after he was diagnosed with diabetes.
"I know how much more my health care cost when I didn't take care of myself than when I do take care of myself, not only in terms of doctor visits but regular diseases, illnesses, chronic things that come up, monthly prescription bills," Huckabee said. "All of those things have gone dramatically down since I've taken care of myself and worked to live a healthier lifestyle."
Huck. There are ways to grab a piece of a hit movie and use it for your own publicity. This isn't one of 'em. For one thing, it's beside the point - with Universal Health Care Michael Moore wouldn't have to tally how much extra it cost him to be overweight. For another, perhaps anticipating this line of attack, Moore has gone on a program of diet and exercise. You may notice he is bigger in the movie than he is on his contentious CNN appearances.
But the real no-no here is the favorite arrow in the RNC quiver, the ad-hominum attack. Republicans would always rather you discuss John Edwards' hair, Al Gore's car or Michael Moore's weight than poverty, the environment, or socialized medicine. Because they get creamed in the latter arenas and it throws off their opponents. I think we as a people are onto this trick now, but I'm probably being optimistic.
Bonus commenter points for examples of the left doing the same thing!
So your contention is that obesity has no bearing on any health issues?
ReplyDeleteOh man, you're not even trying.
ReplyDeleteOf course it does, but attacking one fat man doesn't solve our nation's health care problems.
Perhaps the latin term "ad hominem" needs to be put into context: It is known in full as argumentum ad hominem (Latin: "argument to the person", "argument against the man") consists of replying to an argument or factual claim by attacking or appealing to the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim.
ReplyDeleteHere's an example: "WAMK is too friggin' dogmatic to understand what ad hominem means."
But this is just an example, of course.
Heehee! I saw what you did there!
ReplyDeleteWow..
ReplyDeleteSnarky, Skot.
My point was a simple one. Piker was blasting Huckabee for saying MM being obese might actually cause him to be a strain on the healthcare system.
And then I asked a simple question about the links between obesity and health problems.
And the Left responds like it typically does.
Thanks for being consistent.
How was Huckabee wrong for his comments on MM and his weight?
And you, WAMK, ably and succinctly proved my point as well! Well done all around, I say.
ReplyDeleteSigh.
George Bush has never fought in a war. Therefore, the Iraq war is without merit. See how it works, WAMK?
ReplyDeleteDon't think this is an example of an ad hominem fallacy. It's more of a post hoc ergo propter hoc or a false cause argument.
ReplyDeleteBTW, my example was intended to be a weak example of ad hominem: Accusing someone of being "dogmatic" actually addresses the issue in it's delivered form (your position is dogma) and has a rational response (It isn't dogma-- here's why...)