In an opening statement, a candidate could use the “us” and “them” technique to persuasively address a. claims b. counterclaims c. evidence d. a plan of action

In an opening statement, a candidate could use the "us" and "them" technique to persuasively address a plan of action (D).

The candidate wants to separate the two parties, so that the "us" thinks they, or at least their idea, are better. If the candidate wants the "us" to do or think something about the "them" that might positively affect their plan of action or policy change. Think about building a wall between the United States and Mexico. In order to get his supporters to go along with his plan of action, he refers to Americans as "us" and the Mexicans as "them."

D. a plan of action

Explanation:

In an opening statement, a candidate could use the “us” and “them” technique to persuasively address a plan of action. When a candidate proposes a plan of action, it is very likely that some people will be in favour of it while others will be against it. Therefore, in order to minimize this issue, a candidate might refer to the two groups as "us" and "them." This will allow him to increase division among the population and minimize the concerns of the opposition.

a phrase from a poem by ralph waldo emerson about the battle of lexington and concord. emerson's words read, “here once the embattled farmers stood / and fired the shot heard round the world.”