Ad hominem

and I were discussing ad hominem and the intricacies in determining when it crosses over into the fallacy territory. In addition, we touched on hypocrisy and if and when a person's character plays into his/her argument. I tend to agree with him saying, "A good way of thinking about an ad hominem attack is it's an attack on the person, not the argument. If you're uncertain, simply pretend someone else entirely is making the argument, but saying the exact same words. If your objection still applies regardless of who is making the argument, it's not an ad hominem." One thing I want to introduce is that I feel like it's often abused in bad faith to deflect and weasel one's way out of a discussion.

Feel free to give your two cents as well.