Label and dismiss

An argument device similar to the "straw man" where opposing points are rebutted with a simplistic misrepresentation of the argument or the opposition themselves. These responses are meant to attack the credibility of the argument or arguer, not respond to an actual argument. As such, once they are delivered, both the argument and arguer are voided.

Popular in discussion of politics, specifically on the Internet and cable television and radio talk-shows.