Obviously, in a discussion of any kind, name-calling offers no argument at all. Logic-free, it is perhaps a good indicator of the weakness in the defense of any supposedly earnest rhetorical stance.

In response to the logic of A’s argument, B replies something like, “You’re a fool.” 

Granted there is likely some emotional pleasure gained for B, and spectacle is usually afforded to the onlooker; nonetheless, no logical clarity results, and essentially any further discussion has been terminated by B.  

Certain political shrieks, including those whose chief attribute is a claim to radical right-wing political celebrity, have perfected B’s approach by adding certain ad homonym insults designed to end the interaction in a mic-drop moment.  These might include:

B claims to A, “You’ve always had a history of child molestation,” or “George Soros has a stake in your company” and the like. These too, do not address A’s argument, but often can add to a loudmouth’s perverse celebrity among existing fans.

A former president (guess which one) claimed he could publicly shoot someone and lose no supporters. Certainly, considering existing multiple investigations and indictment(s) into his behavior, that claim seems increasingly doubtful. I claim that if you get naked and run down any well-traveled street, you will gain fans that you never knew you had. However, tarry, and at some point, the police will likely intervene. 

That is why in rare instances, people may flash stunt a crowd, but then hurriedly depart. The subtle technical question for political celebrity flasher hacks (name your own list) is how “naked,” and how long they should hang around before the voters (and authorities) catch up. 

I think most American women, people of color and LGBTQ+ people have caught up, and figured out the stunts and spectacles of certain of these outrageous political distracters. Factual corroborating data: witness the 2020 and 2022 election results and the Fox-Dominion settlement. 

As we look forward to more impending suits, indictments and the 2024 elections, I anticipate more corroboration and rest my case.

John Pace lives in Honesdale, PA.