1.   Gramm lately has attempted to soften his image, holding a series of intimate discussions with undecided voters in their kitchens.

2.   Nothing written above explains him away or softens his image.

3.   And aides to the governor say he would be happy to be associated with school spending, softening an image built largely on tax cuts and tough criminal penalties.

4.   And to soften his image as a hard-hearted cold warrior, they note that he and his British-born wife, Diana, adopted five Honduran children.

5.   And, while Israelis backed him in part because of his reputation for toughness, Sharon is seeking to soften that image abroad.

6.   As democracy has taken root in recent years, the two agribusiness giants have worked to soften their image.

7.   At a time when the Republicans are struggling to soften their image on environmental issues, the bill is one that many moderates would rather avoid altogether.

8.   Before flying here Sunday from Havana, Cuba, Putin, a former KGB officer, worked to soften his image with the Canadians.

9.   But a recent spate of them is undercutting efforts by the Sudanese government to soften its image internationally.

10.   But he suggested there is another motive for trying to soften his image.