A weak man is similar to a straw man, but involves setting up the opposition’s weakest (or one of its weakest) arguments or proponents for attack, while ignoring inconvenient stronger ones. Given the rancid state of the right these days, lefties have had ample opportunity to indulge in this fallacy.
Don't get me wrong, it is appropriate to occasionally bat down your opposition's weak arguments and weak proponents, especially when they substitute volume for soundness.
But for constructive and good faith debate, focus should be on the more sane and thoughtful positions. Conor Friedersdorf has a useful case in point.
Climate summit ends with a long-fought deal — and a lot of anger
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Developing nations got a promise of at least $300 billion in climate
finance from rich countries such as the U.S. and the EU’s members. They
wanted far more.
8 hours ago
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