By changing the default order of image tools, it is possible to blurred text for headlines, backdrops or to overlay images.
Add a new text element, choose a large font size and boldface.
Type the desired text.
Open the Image Toolbox from the Edit menu.
Apply the Buttonize and Shadow tool.
Set the direction to come from straight above, turn off the buttonize option and set the distance larger than the height of the text element. Choose a low blur factor.
The shadow will now appear as a separate entity below the actual text element.
Apply the Image Alignment tool.
Open the Object Context menu for the text element and select Active Image Tools.
Drag the Buttonize and Shadow tool to the first position of the list.
In the Image Alignment tool, choose a cut-out area that encompasses only the blurred text.