when politicians argue with eachother ie. verbal abuse, rather than the issue at hand, what do you call that?

Question

there's a debate between a member(s) of parliament, and instead of focusing on the argument, they indulge in childish and verbal abuse ie. sarcasm, ridicule, name calling, threats... and the issue is not appopriately attended to in a single seating because of the "circus".

Answer 1

Its called childish and a waste of our tax money.
Politics is when they stick to the issues and argue their points

Answer 2

When ever I see Parliament on CSPAN I stop and watch. It's very entertaining and refreshing compared to the dry political drone of our congress.

Answer 3

mudslinging, I think. Happens all the time, not just during debates, but actual campaign commercials too. They're always so busy digging up dirt on their competition, they forget to focus on what they propose to do once elected.

Answer 4

A gross waste of time. Debates should be refereed like football. "Offsides" could be called anytime they drift off topic. "Unnecessary roughing" when the name-calling starts!

Answer 5

Here we make up bullshit flag burning laws and spend days pissing around with that while all hell is breaking loose worldwide

Answer 6

Each one thinks they are right and when it gets out of hand their insecurities comes into focus

Answer 7

I call it politics as usual.

Answer 8

Normal political banter. Makes you wonder how they got there doesn't it?

Answer 9

its called "politics" :)

Answer 10

RHETORIC