"First and Foremost" - August 16, 2019

[Bob cruise director]

Another puzzle by Matt Gaffney titled First and Foremost

The answer to this week's contest crossword is a noted U.S. politician of the past

Good luck to everyone.

[Cindy]

Solved but not submitting quite yet.

[Hector]

Quick 'n' easy.

[Al Sisti]

Safely home... good publican! A spot of the black please?

[Joe Ross]

Solved, if it's this easy. I'm hanging with Isaac until I am sure.

[Cindy]

Submitted

[Toby]

Seemed almost too easy. I had a little problem with the grid at 40A, but a little research cleared things up.

[Wendy Walker]

Yeah, got it. Knew only one of the theme answers off the top of my head but got them through crossing letters. Had to chuckle at 45D.

[Troysail]

I'm ashore!

[FrankieHeck]

Solved but not submitting quite yet.

same

[ChrisKochmanski]

On shore! And while I understand others' hesitation to submit (i.e., the nagging feeling of: Am I missing something?), I've sent in my answer anyway -- so as to get this one out of the way while pressed for time by other matters.

[Jeanrosz]

Nice.. solved and on shore!

[darthdriessen]

I am pretty sure I solved it, but understand everyone's uneasiness. Not a 100% er. Will keep looking for full confirmation.

[FrankieHeck]

I am pretty sure I solved it, but understand everyone's uneasiness. Not a 100% er. Will keep looking for full confirmation.

I (think I) am 100% sure of the specific answer...I just have reservations about exactly what to submit...

[ky-mike]

I'm with those who have "solved" and waiting to submit. I thought that this was an easy solve, but want to noodle over it a bit more to see if there is anything I am missing.

[Darryl H.]

done and dusted...beer me!

[Laura M]

On shore, or at least deluding myself that I am! I agree that this doesn't feel 100%, but close enough for me to submit.

Grid was also slightly unsatisfying; went quickly except for a couple of crosses that I had to give up and Google.

(Of course I enjoy and appreciate all of these puzzles, and continue to be in awe of the constructors! And enjoyment of grids/metas is highly subjective. You know, just ignore me.)

[Bob cruise director]

On shore - if I am not right, this will be another Maine (where I am) vs New Mexico.

Now to see if my 14 year old granddaughter and her friend can solve it. (I will send them to the help page)

[DaveKennison]

Like others, I see the “obvious” answer to the meta, but I’m going to put it on the back burner for a few hours before submitting it ... so ... swimming in circles ... on my back ... waiting for my paranoia to subside ... ...

[MarkL]

Done & done. And, we just finished discussing how apolitical this space has been. Off to Boston for a long weekend! Cheers!!