What concept is illustrated when someone suggests that low defense spending negates a candidate’s conservatism?

The correct answer is rooted in the concept of "victory by definition." This approach involves redefining what it means to hold a particular belief or value in order to claim that someone does not adhere to that belief based on their actions. In this case, the assertion that low defense spending negates a candidate’s conservatism implies that conservatism inherently includes high defense spending. By framing conservatism in this narrow way, one can dismiss or undermine a candidate's conservative status without addressing their broader beliefs or policies.

This method highlights the reliance on specific definitions to achieve a rhetorical advantage rather than engaging with the complexities of the candidate's positions. It shifts the focus from the candidate’s overall ideology to a singular aspect, allowing critics to claim victory over the candidate’s conservative credentials with this redefinition.