The following passage contains an argument that commits at least one informal fa

Question

The following passage contains an argument that commits at least one informal fallacy. Name the type of fallacy committed and explain why the passage is an example of that type.
Why were Hollings and so many of his colleagues eager to pump life into the Fairness Doctrine? Because they were prime beneficiaries of its constraints on broadcasters. Hollings himself credited the doctrine with providing the media exposure he needed to win his first statewide race. (John Fund, "Broadcasting Should Not be Regulated," in Censorship: Opposing Viewpoints)

Explanation / Answer

This argument is an illustration of the Ad Homniem fallacy, which involves attacking the person rather than the argument. It can be noted that instead of contesting the validity of the Fairness Doctrine itself, instead questions the motives and characteristics of Hollings and his colleagues.

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