Punch Newspapers Sections Published 10 January 2021 We all have to excuse all the president’s men who descended on Bishop Matthew Kukah for his Christmas homily. What they did is what we’ve probably all done in the course of arguments. When we are unable to rebut an opponent’s argument, we deploy the strawman strategy. That is, we go after the weakest element of the argument or misrepresent it in order to demolish it. Politicians are especially adept at this. In fact, I venture to say that much of the coaching in political communication is to school officials and candidates on this strategy. Corporate executives deploy it too when faced with questions about unconscionable practices. Literally speaking, the strawman is a weak object that even a weakling can demolish with a stroke. Figuratively, by flailing at it, we create the illusion of vigour and high moral grounds.