Cheney of politics - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

The clue "Cheney of politics" is a straightforward knowledge-based clue commonly found in crossword puzzles. It asks the solver to identify a specific person by their last name within a given context. For a three-letter answer, this clue points to a very well-known contemporary figure, making it a relatively accessible entry point for many solvers.

Clue Analysis

The clue provides two key pieces of information:

1. "Cheney": This is the surname of the person in question.
2. "of politics": This specifies the field in which the person is known.

In modern American politics, two figures with the surname Cheney are exceptionally prominent: former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney. The length of the answer slot (three letters) is the crucial differentiator. "DICK" is four letters, while "LIZ" is three, making the latter the only viable option.

Thinking Approaches

Solvers can arrive at the answer through a few common methods:

1. Direct Recall: If you follow U.S. news and politics, the name Liz Cheney is likely to come to mind immediately. Her high-profile role in recent years has made her a household name.

2. Process of Elimination: A solver might first think of Dick Cheney. Upon realizing his first name doesn't fit a three-letter space, they would then consider other famous Cheneys in politics, leading them to his daughter, Liz.

3. Using Crossings: For short answers, crossing letters are invaluable. If you have even one letter, say the 'I' from a down clue, 'LIZ' becomes a very strong candidate. With two letters, the answer is almost certainly confirmed.

Background Context

Liz Cheney is an American attorney and politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Wyoming's at-large congressional district from 2017 to 2023. She is the elder daughter of the 46th Vice President, Dick Cheney. She gained significant national attention for her role as the vice chair of the House Select Committee on the January 6th Attack, a position that put her at odds with much of her own political party. Her prominence in these events has made her a frequent subject in news and, consequently, in crossword puzzles.

Conclusion

"Cheney of politics" is a classic example of an easy-difficulty trivia clue. It relies on current events and general knowledge. The key to solving it, besides direct knowledge, is paying close attention to the required answer length. This clue serves as a good reminder that even the most direct clues can be cracked by combining context with the structural constraints of the puzzle grid.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This clue refers to a prominent American political figure.
2. Hint 2: This person is the daughter of a former Vice President.
3. Hint 3: She is a former U.S. Representative for Wyoming.
4. Hint 4: Her first name is a common nickname for Elizabeth.