straw man

  1. scarecrow
  2. a person of little importance; nonentity
  3. a weak argument or opposing view set up by a politician, debater, etc. so as to be able to attack it and gain an easy, showy victory
  4. a person used to disguise another's intentions, activities, etc.; blind

See straw man in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A person who is set up as a cover or front for a questionable enterprise.
  2. An argument or opponent set up so as to be easily refuted or defeated.
  3. A bundle of straw made into the likeness of a man and often used as a scarecrow.

Learn more about straw man

link/cite print suggestion box