Red herring (smoke screen) is a diversionary tactic designed to draw attention away from the real issue. For instance, suppose a political figure got caught committing a crime. He might say, "Those opposed to me have a political agenda. This is politics at its worst."

Explanation:

Any attempt to divert from the real subject. It got the name "red herring" from a story of escaped prisoners who got the dogs off their trail by smearing old herring (which apparently turns red as it spoils) on the trail and throwing it in the weeds. When the dogs came along, they went after the herring and forgot about the prisoners.

Examples:

(i) Mrs. Anderson: "Tommy, did you finish your homework?"

Tommy: "Mrs. Anderson, did you see last night's episode of Star Trek?"

Mrs. Anderson: "Why yes, I did. It was quite good, wasn't it?"

(ii) Reporter: "Senator Snort, what about these allegations of taking campaign money from the Chinese?"

Sen. Snort: "I'm glad you asked me that. This bipartisan bill that I'm introducing will reform campaign finance in this country."

Proof:

Show that the individual has gotten off track. Bring them back to the issue at hand.