[twobit7272]

I have absolutely no idea where to post this question--none of the topics seemed just right. So I'm sorry if I'm in the wrong place.

I am wondering if there's a name for a certain technique some people use when arguing/debating with others. Most ploys used in arguments seem to have names, so I assume it does. Here is the technique:

Mary says, "The most important quality people look for in a car is color."

John says, "Well, color may be important, but I don't think it's the MOST important quality people look for."

Mary says, "I disagree with you John. People DO think a car's color is important."

John says, "I never said it wasn't important. I said it wasn't the MOST IMPORTANT thing they look for."

The technique Mary has used here is imply that John entirely dismissed the importance of a car's color, and to say that she disagrees with that. She completely misrepresented what he said.

Does this underhanded ploy have a name?

[tomder55]

Straw man ? Straw Man