Historical clue formulations

• More forgiving — 2024-09-26
• Not so harsh — 2022-11-13
• Not so hard — 2021-05-28
• Less stormy — 2017-02-26
• Like a softball interview vis-à-vis a grilling — 2015-09-27
• Like George Bush's promised nation — 2012-09-29
• Like improved baby shampoo — 2000-06-04
• Less severe — 1998-04-02