John McLaughlin, a Republican pollster, said his surveys showed that the attacks on homosexuality offended voters even in the most conservative parts of the South.

Political strategists warn that such arguments can backfire by offending elderly voters, who are a crucial segment of the electorate.

And while reluctant to offend Cuban-American voters, senior officials have been eager to end the situation to prevent any worsening of relations with Havana.

In this election year, lawmakers and Administration officials are wary of any action that might offend elderly voters by restricting Medicare spending.

But when she offended French voters it was too much.

Kerry came across as lacking the courage to say what he really thinks lest it offend or confound voters.

Some Solarz allies warn that by opposing him, mayoral candidates might offend Jewish voters.

They now say those warnings were ignored by Democratic leaders leery of offending black voters, the party's most loyal bloc in recent years.

Clearly afraid to offend voters with confrontational advertisements, the candidates stuck with genial messages.

The ad's tone could offend voters and turn them against Mr. Franks.