Strawman Shenanigans: How to Handle Twisted Arguments with Truth and Wit

Long before I knew the actual term for it, I noticed liberals used this tactic all the time. A real exchange:

Me: I’m not going to say much about this yet because we haven’t seen all the facts of the case. I know from previous incidents like this one, there is way more to the story than what we’re seeing.

Liberal: Wow. So you’re saying it’s the victim’s fault?

If you’re scratching your head at that conclusion, you know exactly how I felt.

As a stick-to-the-point, just-the-facts-ma’am kind of person, this kind of nonsense infuriated me. And frankly, I didn’t know how to respond (other than using some colorful language and suggesting a few places they could go). But let me pause here to be fair—it’s not just liberals who do this. Gaslighters, narcissists, and basically anyone who cannot argue a topic on its actual merits loves this trick.

It’s called the Strawman Fallacy—a deceptive tactic where someone distorts your original statement just to make it easier to attack.

So how do we combat this nonsense? Thankfully, Scripture and common sense give us a game plan.

Combat the Strawman Fallacy In 3 Easy Steps

1. Do Not Argue or Defend Yourself Over Statements You Did Not Make

📖 “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.'” — Matthew 5:37

The Setup:
You say: “We should consider all the facts before jumping to conclusions.”
They say: “So you’re saying it’s the victim’s fault?”

🚫 Wrong Move: “No, I didn’t mean that! What I actually meant was—” (Cue them twisting it further.)

✅ Right Move: “I will not defend myself on statements I didn’t make. Would you like to continue the conversation based on what I actually said, or are we done here?”

This stops the game before it starts. If they’re not willing to engage honestly, don’t waste your breath.

2. Do Not Apologize for Statements You Didn’t Make or How They Chose to Interpret Them

📖 “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” — Proverbs 18:13

The Setup:
You say: “We should wait for the facts before making judgments.”
They say: “Wow, you’re heartless! I can’t believe you’d say something so awful.”

🚫 Wrong Move: “Oh no, I didn’t mean to offend you! I just think—” (Now they’ve got you on the defensive.)

✅ Right Move: “I see you’re very upset by your interpretation of what I said. Unfortunately, you’ve misunderstood. Maybe it’ll help you to repeat back to me what I said.”

This forces them to either:

✔️ Realize they misunderstood.
✔️ Admit they’re twisting your words.
✔️ Keep doubling down—which only exposes their bad faith.

Either way, you win.

3. Do Not Get Sucked Into Circular Arguments

📖 “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” — Proverbs 26:4

The Setup:
You say: “This issue is more complicated than what we’re seeing in the media.”
They say: “Oh, so you think facts don’t matter?”

🚫 Wrong Move: Keep explaining yourself while they keep twisting your words into oblivion.

✅ Right Move: “It’s clear we aren’t going to agree on this topic, so I’m leaving the conversation.”

Above all else, remain calm. Their intent is to rattle you, put you on the defensive, and break you down. Never let them see you sweat.

The Hard Truth: They Don’t Want Peace, They Want to Win

The biggest mistake conservatives and moderates make? Thinking that facts, logic, and common sense will create mutual respect.

Understand this: they are not looking for peace, unity, or truth. They just want to win.

Now, this does not mean we should avoid discussing tough topics with people of opposing views. Those dialogues are important. However, we must recognize which conversations are worth our time.

Protect your peace.