This could be considered a form of the FALLACY OF MISDIRECTION, BUT IS OFTEN USED TO ATTACK THOSE WHO EXPOSE, OR REVEAL THE WEAKNESSES THAT ARE PRESENT IN THE POSITION TAKEN BY THE INDIVIDUAL WHO IS BEING INTERVIEWED, QUESTIONED, OR DEBATED.
To illustrate this particular FALLACY, let us create an example from Politics:
"Mr. Candidate, your Opponent says that the Economic Policies that are part of your Campaign Platform will lead to Increased Taxation on the Middle Class, while allowing increased Tax Breaks for the Wealthiest 2%. Further, that your opposition to an increase in the Minimum Wage will drive even more Families into Poverty, Due to Recent Changes in the Consumer Price Index. How do you Respond?"
Answer- "It is Well Known that my Opponents Economic Policies are Anti- Business, and will lead to Many Corporations Seeking to move Operations to other Countries. It is this Attitude, that has made Corporate America Very Hesitant to back his Candidacy. We must find more ways to encourage the Private Sector to Invest More Capitol in New and Expanding Technologies."
How about this one from the World of Finance.
"You claim that your Business Model will create great profits for all Investors, but your Critics say that the Bottom Line Depends upon Recruiting New Individuals to Sign Up, so that Their Membership will inject New Money into a Fund to pay off the Older Investors. Is this so?"
Answer- "When I first started my Company, attracting Initial Investors was Tough, because very few believed in my vision. However, for the Few who were Far-Sighted enough, an Investment of a Few Thousand Dollars has paid off more than Ten Fold. Don't Talk to my Critics, listen to Those who were here on the ground floor."
You can see the following:
While the Question is Direct, and asks for Specific Information,
the Answer Often:
- HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING THAT WAS ASKED.
- IS MEANINGLESS, BECAUSE IT IGNORES THE SUBJECT
MATTER CONTAINED IN THE QUESTION.
- IS VAGUE, AND BASICALLY AN OPINION THAT RELIES ON
SUBJECTIVE ASSERTIONS THAT AVOID ANY SPECIFIC DETAILS.
- APPEALS TO THE IRRATIONAL AND SELF- SERVING MEMBERS
OF THE AUDIENCE, WHO COULD CARE LESS ABOUT TRUTH, OR
ACCURACY, BUT ARE LOOKING FOR EXCUSES TO JUSTIFY THEIR
SUPPORT FOR THE PERSON ANSWERING THE QUESTION.
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