Technique: Accuse your opponent of something, anything. Essentially, once accused, at least some stigma of the accusation sticks with the person forever, even if that person is totally and completely acquitted of all charges. An accused person's credibility is instantly tarnished. First, if they decide to retort, their comeback seems almost childish as though they are playing a game of tag or exclaiming, "I am not. You are." Second, this puts the accused on the defensive, taking up their time and inhibiting their ability to go on the offensive themselves. Third, having an issue made out of whatever the accusation was about is an excellent way to set the agenda and implicitly determine what the important issues are. (See "Framing the Debate")