The Latin definition of [i]Ad Hominem[/i] means to the man or argument to the man. It's when you try to discredit your opponent's argument by casting doubt on their character. You're using the terms "liberal" and "lost cause" as a way to try to discredit Max's argument by making him look bad. Even if Max is a liberal and is a lost cause, how is that relevant to the argument that Max is making and it's specific points?