Beware the Red Herring

And other logical fallacies to avoid this merry campaign season.

Donald Trump speaking with supporters at a campaign rally at the Prescott Valley Event Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona. October 4, 2016. (photo: Gage Skidmore)

What is a red herring?

It is a big, stinky fish designed to draw every nose, every eye, and every bit of ire, instantly down upon it. It is an eleven-decker layer cake of grasshopper legs and carbolic. It’s a odoriferous eyesore, a monstrosity, a conversation starter and a non sequitur.