False equivalence

[1] Colloquially, a false equivalence is often called "comparing apples and oranges."

[2] False equivalence is a common result when an anecdotal similarity is pointed out as equal, but the claim of equivalence does not bear scrutiny because the similarity is based on oversimplification or ignorance of additional factors.

[11] Thomas Patterson of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University wrote about the false equivalency used by the media during the 2016 United States presidential election: False equivalencies are developing on a grand scale as a result of relentlessly negative news.

If everything and everyone is portrayed negatively, there's a leveling effect that opens the door to charlatans.

The press historically has helped citizens recognize the difference between the earnest politician and the pretender.