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 ::Let me help you make the distinction with an example "" Barack obama has big ears and looks dumb when he smiles"" thats an attack about him, the person ""Barack obama abuses his presidential authority when he has american citizens executed without trial via drone strike"" that is a criticism about him in his capacity as president of the united states, of course it is directed him the person who is president. but it's not a ""personal attack"" if I said "" JP morgon looks dumb and I bet he sucks at ukulele"" that would be a peronal attack. if I say "" I don't think JPgordon is a good admin"" that is not a personal attack.   "