In absentia
New Paltz, N.Y.: Thirty-six Democratic representatives have sent a letter to President Biden asking him to share the nuclear button. At a Zoom meeting, when he finished his prepared remarks, he asks “Nancy” if that’s all, then says he’ll take questions — and the White House feed is immediately cut. He hasn’t held a single press conference since he took office or made a speech before Congress. The press secretary says it’s because of the pandemic, the same excuse they used for keeping him in the basement during the campaign. Could it be they realize he’s not competent to be president? Is the letter the first step in moving him towards the exit? Looking at him, I wonder who’s calling the shots. I’m sure Russia, Iran and China are aware and will see how far they can push.
ACROSS
1 Arrange
gracefully
6 Mild expletive 10 Actor Brad — 14 Toward the
periphery
15 Green pods 16 Seaweed
derivative 17 Laundered 18 Nonsense poet 19 Pamplona runner 20 Rose or Teddy 22 Came to a point 24 Find practical 25 James Bond’s school Inflatable item, maybe
Touch down Pancake order Web addr. Envelope sealer Earth, to Pierre Grace under pressure
Wisk rival Uncanny
In dire need of gas Firmly fixed Rock band need, for short Slackens off Many, many years Whiskey grains Cartoon shrieks — Paulo, Brazil Saddle part Boston players Autobahn vehicle Crusty cheese Nevada lake Small brown bird Wrinkle Lagoon boundary Pantyhose woe 26
29 32 36 37 38 39
41 43 44 45 47
48 49 50 51 53 55 58 62 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 Wheels for the
fields
71 Drive back
DOWN
1 Pier
2 Wear the crown 3 Two fives for — — 4 Something to shell 5 Sea eagles 6 Sainted
7 Barely manage 8 Ready to ship
9 K, to a jeweler 10 Inventor, at times 11 Operatic prince 12 Scale button 13 Crushed grapes 21 Wooded valley 23 Kept informed 26 Delhi coin 27 Bouquet
28 Tosses coins 30 31 33 34 35 37 40 42 46 49 50 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
61 64
— Wiedersehen Peachy-keen Collection Illegal act Holds onto
It blows off steam Guiding Storage unit
To be, to Brutus Liveliness of mind Spin around Coleridge’s khan Bride’s destination Cutting tools Revolve Glimmering High notes Hotcakes franchise Merry king of rhyme
Offer for money Packing slip, briefly