Democratic Fallacies

5 Pages 1175 Words

Democratic Fallacies

My first essay is based on the fallacies that I found on the Democratic website of Kerry. I read and learned to spot fallacies while reading. The Kerry website is intended for the older audience. As a twenty three year old I felt I could have read something that could have been more tailored for my age. Unfortunately I did not feel the Kerry website addressed the younger generation. I did know that presidents used fallacies as a way to attract voters to vote for their political party. However, I was not aware how manipulators candidates can be. Candidates use fallacies successfully on speeches, writings, etc. to lure people to their side and achieve votes in high numbers.
In the website, I found a few words that tell the audience to get involved. I found a small box in the corner of the first page. “Your involvement now counts more than ever. This is a time to stand firm on critical principles. Sign up today and we will send you the latest updates and action items.” That is a pandering fallacy. When I read that, I thought they used an emotional appeal. “Your involvement now counts more than ever…” can they pressure us anymore? They make the audience feel that they have to “stand firm on critical principles.” Kerry and his team want us to get involve today. That’s my reason for thinking that was a pandering fallacy.
When someone commits a mistake people usually criticize and attack their character based on a few mistakes, which anyone could have made. When it is someone else other than you, it is easier to criticize. I think it is not fair. A Kerry supporter wrote “His record of failure and his inability to play it straight with the American people and our troops oversees make him unfit to serve as secretary of defense for one more day, never mind four more years.” That’s a personal attack on Donald Rumsfeld. Why attack his character and credibility based on a few mistakes. ...