# Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 2)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [February 16, 2024, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636 "2024-02-16T02:56:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 3423

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**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3423 "2024-09-14T19:29:05Z")

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> [@Velocity](#):
>
> I can’t turn down good policies in favor of lousy ones just because the person promoting the policies is an asshole. In fact, that would be a sort of political ad hominem fallacy.

But you’re ignoring what the poll actually said:

> [@Polls only: No discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/5331):
>
> The thing is, despite your opinion on Bob’s personal traits, you think his policies are better. Not that Jim’s are atrocious, it’s just that even with Bob’s grifting factored in, Bob’s policies are a lot better.

Bob’s policies are “a lot better”. But Jim’s are fine. It’s not great lousy, it’s better/fine.

And what’s better/worse is subjective. I mean, if I’m a neo-nazi, any white power policy is a big improvement over a DEI heavy policy.

For that matter, the two may be mutually exclusive. For example, IRL, one of my policy wants is a much greater requirement for responsibility for those in power - anti-corruption legislation, enforceable morality codes with teeth, etc.

So Bob’s going to make these policies happily which would put himself in jail? Not bloody likely. So what the poll is saying is (IMHO) that Bob is a great candidate for some, unmentioned, specific edge policy that YOU, the voter wants, and will you support it to get what you want, over any other requirement.

It’s not the best written poll - it’s IMHO trying to be too cute in saying “This has _nothing_ to do with the current political climate in the US, no way, no how”.

For that matter, we’re not just talking (using puzzlegal’s Clinton example) about credible allegations of rape, but also possibly murder per the OP. We’re not talking about JUST a philandering, rapist, corrupt, grifting thug, but someone who will kill others.

No. Do not give that person cover or power.

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