diversion
manipulative tactic intended to distract the opponent and draw his attention away from the point that one wants to attack
tone policing
manipulative tactic that focus on the tone in which a statement was presented and in turn detract attention from the truth or falsity of that statement
feint
manipulative tactic in sport or military intended to mislead, confuse the adversary with an act resembling an attack
military diversion
military tactic intended to obstruct the adversary by distracting in another direction of his concentration of military power