21.   And when it came to base closings, Clinton went out of his way to soften the blow on the state.

22.   As he fended off verbal volleys from the legislators, Richardson underscored efforts that the administration took in recent weeks to soften the blow of soaring fuel costs.

23.   As a result, the Federal Reserve has been working to stabilize the economy by injecting liquidity into the financial systems, softening the blow of an unwanted recession.

24.   Because of legal quirks, premium taxes cannot bear most of the burden, but they can soften the blow.

25.   Better-than-expected earnings at companies such as Campbell Soup Co. and Samsonite Corp. softened the blow in the broader market.

26.   A deficit accord could encourage the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates to soften the blow of government spending cuts, say some analysts.

27.   After breaking the news over the phone to Bowling, the Metropolitan curator tried to soften the blow by suggesting that Askin would be happy to return the painting.

28.   Aid, some critics say, merely softens the blow.

29.   Breimer, in turn, can advocate for a candidate and ready himself to soften the blow for boys facing rejection.

30.   Bush moved to soften the blow and pacify the doctors in his veto message.