41.   It helps soften the image of Republicans at a time many federal social programs are under attack in Congress.

42.   Lungren has done much to soften his image in recent months, particularly among Latinos.

43.   Maybe his experience in the former Yugoslavia will soften his image.

44.   McCain, who is trying to soften his image a bit, was more passive.

45.   Nothing, though, seems to soften this image.

46.   Outwardly, the company seems to have softened its image and admitted to some mistakes.

47.   Over the last decade, its white-lightning image has been softened by varietal grappas and flavored incarnations.

48.   Several Republican political strategists around the country said that they doubted Bush was simply trying to soften his image by showing a capacity for clemency.

49.   Since then he has softened his image and learned a few things about campaigning.

50.   Softening his image has its own political advantage, even if it may not sit well with orthodox Republicans.