Related by context. Frequent words. (Click for all words.) 45 distanced himself 42 distancing himself 36 shies away 36 staunch critic 35 assailed 34 Taking cue 34 staunch opponent 33 Without mentioning 33 distanced itself 33 masterstroke 33 backtracked 33 staunchly defended 33 hypocritical 32 divisive 32 Echoing 32 distancing themselves 32 vocal critic 32 brushed aside 32 backtracks 32 outspoken 32 opposes 32 firebrand 32 staunch defender 31 outspoken critic 31 unapologetic 31 Reacting 31 needled 31 brushes aside 31 ridicules 31 undercut 31 sidestepped questions 31 Endorsing 31 Criticizing 31 flatly rejected 31 politician 31 controversial 31 himself 31 Brushing aside 31 strident 31 fierce critic 31 maverick 31 stirred controversy 31 HonoluluAdvertiser.com welcomes comments 30 sharp rebuke 30 unpopular 30 demurred 30 strongly opposes 30 deflect attention 30 noncommittal 30 scoffs 30 denounced 30 statesmanlike 30 vocal supporter 30 disagrees 30 apologist 30 backpedaled 30 sidestepped 30 bristled 30 ringing endorsement 30 defended 30 disavowed 30 hypocrite 30 Full Page Reprints 29 shied 29 criticized 29 unelectable 29 distanced herself 29 reporters 29 rebutted 29 polarizing figure 29 staunch supporter 29 lambasted 29 hinted 29 Barring 29 staunchest supporters 29 Answering questions 29 protege 29 veiled threat 29 barring 29 flip flopper 29 echoing 29 defends 29 protégé 29 distanced themselves 29 hardliner 29 refrains 29 distancing itself 29 refrained 29 standpoints 29 staunchly opposed 29 divert attention 29 rebuked 29 backfired 28 conciliatory 28 asinine 28 backfire 28 fait accompli 28 flip flopping 28 diversionary tactic 28 counterproductive 28 vehemently opposed