Which forms of the word: "manipulate" will fit the sentences given below?

Many politicians _____ the facts so that they can deceive the public. The lady was so __ that she easily swindled the old woman. Through lies and cunning _____, he became a successful person but for a short period of time.

The correct forms are: manipulate (present tense base verb, 'Many politicians manipulate the facts'), manipulative (adjective, 'she was so manipulative'), and manipulation (noun, 'cunning manipulation'). Option D correctly uses the base form for habitual actions, the adjective to describe character, and the noun for the abstract concept of manipulative behavior.