Question

in an opening statement, a candidate could use the \us\ and \them\ technique to persuasively address claims. counterclaims. evidence. a plan of action.

Explanation:

The "us" and "them" framing creates a contrast between the candidate's position and opposing arguments (counterclaims), allowing the candidate to persuasively distinguish and refute the opposition's points while uniting their audience ("us") against the opposing side ("them"). This technique is most effective for addressing counterclaims to strengthen the candidate's own stance.

Answer:

counterclaims.