11.   Pope John Paul II is equally polite, making his points but softening his rhetoric so as not to offend.

12.   Although he has recently softened his rhetoric, the ex-general still acts very much like a military man.

13.   Arafat has sent conflicting messages concerning the statehood issue, but appears to have softened his rhetoric in recent weeks.

14.   Arafat has sent conflicting messages concerning the issue, but appears to have softened his rhetoric in recent weeks.

15.   But guerrillas have softened their rhetoric in recent years, and a cease-fire on both sides has held since March.

16.   But after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rebels softened their rhetoric.

17.   During his speech, Forbes softened his rhetoric on abortion.

18.   Early in his political career, Chen was a vocal supporter of Taiwan independence, though he has softened his rhetoric since becoming president last year.

19.   It softened the rhetoric as the dispute dragged on, focusing instead on efforts to get contested ballots counted.

20.   Likewise, the United States softened its rhetoric on the Russian military operation in Chechnya.