1.   As a cynical attempt to manipulate the electorate and the media, it was unsurpassed.

2.   Advocates of tougher campaign finance disclosure laws called the measure a cynical attempt to punch holes in a reform bill that took Congress seven years to pass.

3.   But some say this temporary mass abdication is starting to look suspiciously like a cynical attempt to stall a corruption investigation.

4.   Some anti-sweatshop activists call them cynical attempts to prevent real reform, while many corporations view them as liberal meddling in the boardroom.

5.   This is either a cruel delusion, or a cynical attempt at spin control.

6.   Small received a yellow card caution for his cynical attempt.

7.   But Rangel dismissed this contention as a cynical attempt to escape responsibility.

8.   The National Front said Wednesday the programme was a cynical attempt to damage Le Pen.