What is the most likely purpose of the first sentence of this article?

To pull the reader in.

Explanation:

This is called a hook. It takes the reader and with a powerful hook can make them read the whole article. It depend on first impression.   The hook is the main  fou]cus for the reader's mind.

from the political point of view it could be said that the candidate   is an effective speaker because she takes a strong position on the issue. it is an open discussion but probably she is making a presentation and can choose which subjects she wants to address. she is very likely to attain her aim which is to convince voters to accept her proposal.

answer is b,

"the tracer looks harmless in flight, but the pilot’s bitten lips and white knuckles suggest how dangerous it can be."

it was correct.