Which term describes an argument that misrepresents an opponent's position to make it easier to attack?

The term that describes an argument misrepresenting an opponent's position to make it easier to attack is known as "attacking a straw man." This rhetorical tactic involves distorting or oversimplifying the opponent's argument, then countering this weakened version rather than engaging with the actual point being made. By doing so, the person using this tactic creates the illusion of having successfully refuted their opponent, while in reality, they have avoided the substance of the original argument.

For example, if one party argues for a modest reform in healthcare and the opponent responds by claiming they want to eliminate healthcare altogether, that would be an instance of attacking a straw man. This technique is frequently used in debates to undermine credibility and distract from the real issues at hand, making it a significant concept in the study of logical fallacies and propaganda techniques.