1. Maybe in theory. The enemies have a much longer range than you start with. You may be able to get a longer range than they do, but it would be hard.
What is good to know is that different enemies have different ranged/defense strengths. Many groups are weaker at range and want to close to melee. Council does more damage at range, so you want to get in melee with them.
2. Pulling is a common tactic. You stand at the edge of your range, target a foe on the edge of the enemies, and try to pull them. There are also powers that blind the enemy so they cannot see as far and blind does not itself trigger them to attack you. This makes it easier to pull without getting nearby enemies to attack you.