Ad hominem arguments, particularly in politics, often attack people as they WERE.?

Answer 1

True.

Because many people are stuck in the past. But also because it's easier to point at what someone has done than to research what they are currently doing.

Answer 2

Yes but not as effective as verecundiam, is it ?

That's the kvetcher's equivalent of the neutron b.

Kills people, leaves bldgs nearly intact.

Answer 3

http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/ad-hominem.html

from here I can see that they are completely unvalid because instead of validating your own point, you go into something completely irrelevant♥