Logical fallacies are characterized as the error or flaw in the reasoning of an argument which makes it unsound and invalid.
As per the question, 'self-contradiction' is the logical flaw/fallacy that is displayed in this given argument as <u>the author's stand on 'cutting funds for public schools' directly contradicts his previously stated premise of declaring that 'education will his top priority</u>.' Thus, this self-contradictory statement not only undermines the meaning of the argument but also affects its logical validity and credibility. Thus, <u>option C</u> is the correct answer.
