red herring
A red herring is a flamboyant technique wielded by irresponsible choreographers on the stage called debate. It hurls attention in another direction to escape from core issues. It skillfully exploits people’s weakness to be free from guilt or scrutiny even for a moment. It’s like a dog fallen into a muddy pit setting off fireworks of dazzling noise and light to bewilder those around it. Yet behind it lies an unresolved pitfall quietly awaiting discovery.