But what about the basic point, Joe, that soft border is a national security issue.

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Obama had already put in so much effort to show that he was tough on illegal immigration, just like all Democratic presidents or presidential candidates have to do because they're perceived by some voters as soft on border security in the same way that in the 1970s they were seen as soft on national security.

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Republicans charge that Democrats are soft on terrorism, crime and border security.

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Kenya Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said it was likely resorts close to the border were seen as "soft targets" -- despite the presence of police and security guards -- an attractive proposition given the clampdown on 'traditional' pirate attacks.

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Most notably, France refuses to scrap checks on its northern border with Belgium and Luxembourg: it objects to soft drugs' free availability in the Netherlands.

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