Straw man:
“…an intentionally misrepresented proposition that is set up because it is easier to defeat than an opponent's real argument.” https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/straw_man
“…an informal fallacy based on giving the impression of refuting an opponent's argument, while refuting an argument that was not advanced.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man
The straw man fallacy can take various forms. Sometimes the straw man is a “hollow man”, i.e., a complete fabrication of the opponent’s views. These are pretty easy to refute, since they can’t be supported by actual evidence. Harder to refute are straw man arguments based on half-truths. In this case, the argument represents a partial version of the opponent’s position as if it were the complete position.
Some straw man arguments are based on “nutpicking”, a term coined by blogger Kevin Drum, meaning:
“…intentionally seeking out extremely fringe, non-representative statements and/or individuals from members of an opposing group and parading these as evidence of that entire group's incompetence or irrationality.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man
Another variation on the straw man is misrepresenting the intent or spirit of the opponent’s statements - for instance attacking a statement expressed in the spirit of a heuristic as though the opponent considers it an iron-clad rule without exception or nuance. As when progressives make an easy target of the mantra “a rising tide lifts all boats”, as though those who embrace the metaphor's underlying principle believe that if an economy grows, everyone – literally everyone – would be better off. Who actually believes that? I would bet: no one. Not even free market conservatives.