steel argument

Also known as "steelman," the opposite of a strawman.

A steel argument makes the other sides' case so well that they feel comfortable and heard, and so then your reasons for not agreeing with that position actually engage their reasons. "Steel arguments" are in some ways a form of pre-emptive active listening.

By Stephen, 12 February, 2020

I've heard a lot of attacks on Biden, "He should get out," with harsh lists of everything he's ever done wrong and nothing he's done right.

Imagine you liked Biden and had half a mind to vote for him in the primary. People are trying to convince you to change your vote, and also stay energized after the primaries. How well does the comment below work; what would you change? [Cognitive Politics is about communications approaches, not about particular candidates.]