It also helps when the apologist is still performing.

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He told the BBC that Mr Kennedy had initially been regarded by the UK as an apologist for the IRA but had changed his position and worked tirelessly "behind the scenes" to help broker peace.

BBC: Brown pays tribute to Ted Kennedy

By 3 February, even the foremost Gorbachev apologist -- German Foreign Minister Hans Deitrich Genscher could no longer ignore the signs of Soviet repression.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Dunaway, known for her sunny demeanor, had the unenviable task of serving as an apologist for the casual gaming-oriented Wii console to hard-core gamers.

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She looked at him, then told him that he was an apologist for the Catholic Church.

NEWYORKER: Teaching

His choice marks him as an apologist for the model itself, and makes his belief in growth (apparently based on sound arguments) something of an article of faith.

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Unfortunately, Joel is the autobiographical hero as abashed apologist, laying out and criticizing his experiences without exposing his core.

NEWYORKER: The Waterdance

Famous Christian apologist Josh McDowell recently railed against the internet, calling it a great threat to Christians.

FORBES: The Theology of Science and the Internet

Robin Cook has gone from being a cold war Soviet apologist, to an even more ridiculous figure, strutting his stuff on the international stage, without reticence, subtlety or tact.

BBC: News | UK Politics | John Maples speech in full

The Manchester United side that will face Ronaldo and Real Madrid on Wednesday has a goal-apologist of its own: Robin van Persie.

WSJ: Goal! But Why No Celebration Backflip?