Senator Strongwood reported that, contrary to a study cited by the administration, a thorough study by his own party concluded that a reduction in the capital gains tax would lead to an increase in the federal deficit. “Hooray for common sense,” he said. “Everyone knows that when you cut taxes you lose revenue.” He concluded that the administration’s plan for reducing the capital gains tax was now dead, because he could not imagine any senator voting to increase the deficit.
Your task
Describe how the argument proceeds — the technique it uses to reach its conclusion.
Common trap
Answers that describe a method the argument doesn't actually use.
Winning move
Track the role each statement plays, then match that to the choice describing the same moves.