The following appeared as a part of an advertisement for Adams, who is seeking reelection as governor: “Reelect Adams, and you will be voting for proven leadership in improving the state’s economy. Over the past year alone, 70 percent of the state’s workers have had increases in their wages, 5,000 new jobs have been created, and six corporations have located their headquarters here. Most of the respondents in a recent poll said they believed that the economy is likely to continue to improve if Adams is reelected. Adams’s opponent, Zebulon, would lead our state in the wrong direction, because Zebulon disagrees with many of Adams’s economic policies.”

The following appeared as a part of an advertisement for Adams, who is seeking reelection as governor:

“Reelect Adams, and you will be voting for proven leadership in improving the state’s economy. Over the past year alone, 70 percent of the state’s workers have had increases in their wages, 5,000 new jobs have been created, and six corporations have located their headquarters here. Most of the respondents in a recent poll said they believed that the economy is likely to continue to improve if Adams is reelected. Adams’s opponent, Zebulon, would lead our state in the wrong direction, because Zebulon disagrees with many of Adams’s economic policies.”

Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.

The argument by Adams is very strong. His opponent, Zebulon, is portrayed as offering only vague promises that cannot be measured or verified. He has no record of success, and he does not even have the endorsements of his own party. He proposes to raise taxes, which would weaken the state’s economy. The claim that Adams has a proven track record of improving state finances is hard to dispute. His tenure has increased state revenue and his policies have improved the financial health of the state. Zebulon has spent most of his adult life out of public office, and has no record of accomplishment or leadership that he can point to. His lack of experience shows in his poor choice of words, which appear contrived and are meant to evoke emotion rather than persuade. Adams has used statistics to support his claims. His statistics can be verified, which support his conclusion. These numbers include the fact that 70% of workers have had wage increases, 5,000 new jobs have been created, and six corporations have relocated headquarters to Illinois

His statistics also support the claim that the state’s economic condition is likely to continue to improve if Adams is reelected. The unemployment rate in Illinois is lower than the national rate. Recent statistics show that Illinois’ economy is improving, which will generate more revenue for Adams’ reelection campaign as well as improve conditions for Illinois residents

Adams also makes a valid comparison between his economic policies and those of his opponent. Zebulon supports higher taxes and more public spending, two policies that Adams suggests would reduce the state’s fiscal health. Zebulon also opposes Illinois’ right-to-work law, which Adams supports. Zebulon also opposes increasing the minimum wage, which Adams supports. If Adams has a record of success, then Zebulon has no record of success. Adams’ opponent is inexperienced, has no record of accomplishment, and stands in sharp contrast to Adams, who is respected by members of both parties and has consistently improved the state’s economy. Adams is the candidate that voters should support.