[RightWingAtheist]

The term is referred specifically to people who are not de facto communist party, but nonetheless openly support its goals, and the means they take in fulfilling them. I would strongly suggest that you not use the term against your debating opponent, as ad homneim comments are the lowest form of rhetorical strategy, and they'll just blast you back for being a "McCarthyite".

[walford]

"...I would strongly suggest that you not use the term against your debating opponent, as ad homneim comments are the lowest form of rhetorical strategy..."

Indeed, smear labels and other stop-thought devices are a favorite tool of the Left. That is because their position is not based upon reason and must resort to name-calling, distortion and appeals to emotion because the facts are not on their side.

I would instead try to offer the definition of fellow traveller as a substitute for the term. Defining terms is another big enemy of Leftist ideology. They prefer instead to use catchphrases and buzzwords and will become downright hostile if you are persistent in explaining what they mean.

I got into a big argument with a professor over the meaning of 'unilateralism.' He was not happy with the resulting term paper either.

[nanetteclaret]

Thanks for your reply - but this person is now 80+ years old and does qualify for the description of "fellow traveller." He was the president of the college I graduated from 30 years ago. I would never confront him personally, but I plan to mention it to someone who knows him.