Red Herring – an argument that distracts the audience from the original topic of discussion.
 

The phrase “red herring” comes from the practice of dragging a strong-smelling fish across a trail to confuse tracking dogs by throwing them off the original scent.  In writing, a red herring is a topic or statement used to distract the reader's attention from the central issue by raising irrelevant issues.  Red herrings are often used to hide weak arguments or to divert attention away from a volatile issue.
 

EXAMPLE 1

A crafty politician plays the political bait-and-switch: “As a candidate in this year’s election, I can best help the financial distress which our nation faces today.  I also believe that abortion is wrong and will fight to the ends of the earth to stop them from happening in our cities.”

If the real issue is “financial distress,” then the inclusion of unrelated emotional topics into the fray only confuses the debate.  Regardless of this candidate’s personal preferences on abortion, he cannot solve the financial crisis by inserting the religious or ethical arguments of abortion.  This candidate is simply giving his voters another, more emotional, reason for winning their support.
 

EXAMPLE 2

An arrogant Oklahoman proudly states: “This was Indian Territory once. Sure, the white settlers didn’t always treat the Indians very nicely, or always live up their treaties.  But there can be no question but that we have every right to be here and to enjoy this rich land. After all, we brought civilization to the Indians, a clearly superior way of life. You'd think they'd be grateful.”

This landowner falsely distracts from the real issue (Native Americans being wronged by the American government) by shifting the attention onto the white man’s good fortune.  To reason that white settlers ultimately “improved” the quality of life for native peoples is clearly disputed as it is, but to initiate this argument in a conversation about the suffering of natives is clearly off topic (and insensitive).  This statement further assumes (incorrectly) that the Native Americans lacked civilization before the arrival of European settlers.  This bigot also uses slanting, distortion, and false cause fallacies.
 

EXAMPLE 3

The self-conscious girlfriend asks: “Honey, does this dress make me look fat?”

The boyfriend nervously replies: “Say, babe, your hair is really gorgeous! And those earrings are a knock-out!”

This is a tough one for men!  The girlfriend asks a loaded question (the intention of asking it is not to critique the dress, but to compliment woman wearing it).  She is looking for a direct answer to her question.  The boyfriend, however, changes the subject (weight) by introducing a new topic (hair and earrings).  Although the boyfriend’s response is fallacious, he provides the positive emotional response that she may have been looking for, and he avoids a confrontation that could ruin their evening.  This issue, however, will undoubtedly arise again later, so the red herrings did not solve the problem, answer the question, or bring closure to the issue.