Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.
Oh, Lord. I didn't mean to say anything quotable.
We do have a saying in America: if you're in a hole, stop digging ..... erm, I'm not sure I should have said that.
First rule of politics: you can't win unless you're on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if you tie, you do not win.
Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.
If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.