Sometimes, a crossword clue just
sings
to you. Other times, it whispers a historical riddle, daring you to delve into the annals of political history. The best crossword puzzles have a knack for combining common knowledge with specific, often overlooked, details, turning a simple phrase into a delightful mental workout. When you encounter a challenging crossword clue, it’s not just about knowing the answer; it’s about appreciating the cleverness in its construction and the journey it takes you on.
Today, we’re dissecting a particularly intriguing crossword clue that might have graced your daily grid: “Gerald Ford or William Howard Taft, once.” This isn’t just a test of your presidential knowledge; it’s a masterclass in identifying shared attributes under a precise temporal constraint. Let’s break down why this crossword clue is so brilliant and how to approach similar brain-teasers in your solving adventures.
First, consider the individuals themselves: Gerald Ford and William Howard Taft. Both are giants in American political history, but their paths to prominence, and the specifics of their careers, varied significantly. William Howard Taft served as the 27th U.S. President, following Theodore Roosevelt. His career was extensive, including roles as a federal judge, Governor-General of the Philippines, and famously, later in life, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court – the only person to hold both the presidency and the chief justice position. Gerald Ford, on the other hand, holds a unique place. He was the 38th U.S. President, but famously, he was never elected to either the vice presidency or the presidency. He ascended to the vice presidency after Spiro Agnew’s resignation and then to the presidency after Richard Nixon’s resignation. Before that, he was a long-serving Congressman from Michigan, even holding the position of House Minority Leader.
The key to unlocking this crossword clue lies not just in their individual biographies, but in what they
shared
, and crucially, the word “once.” The word “once” tells us that the answer refers to a status, a position, or an event that applied to both men at some point in their lives, perhaps even a singular occurrence or a temporary state. It guides us away from their entire careers and towards a specific commonality. What role did both Gerald Ford and William Howard Taft undeniably hold? What position did they both occupy, even if for different durations or under different circumstances?
When faced with such a fascinating crossword clue, your approach should be methodical. Start by listing everything you know about each person that could potentially be a shared characteristic. Both were lawyers. Both were Republicans. Both served in high levels of government. But which of these, when paired with “once,” narrows down to a specific, concise crossword answer? The beauty of a well-constructed crossword puzzle is that it forces you to think beyond the obvious, to find the most precise fit for the wordplay and context.
Consider the various stages of their political lives. Was there a specific
type
of role or status that applied equally and uniquely to both Ford and Taft? This kind of crossword clue often tests your ability to see beyond the most prominent titles (like President) and to identify a more fundamental, shared characteristic that might be less immediately apparent but perfectly accurate. The phrase “Gerald Ford or William Howard Taft, once” is designed to make you ponder the nuances of their political journeys, forcing you to distill their complex careers down to a single, shared designation.
Solving crosswords is an art, and clues like this are its masterpieces. They challenge your knowledge, refine your reasoning, and ultimately, provide that satisfying click when the correct word slots perfectly into place. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and you’ll find even the most intricate crossword clue eventually yields its secret.
Available Answers:
YALEMAN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0907-25 NY Times Crossword 7 Sep 25, Sunday