7 Down
NYT Daily • August 13, 2025
Politician Gabbard
Answer:
TULSI
Hint:
This 2020 presidential candidate’s first name is also a type of holy basil.
Explanation:
"Politician Gabbard" refers to Tulsi Gabbard, a former U.S. Representative from Hawaii and 2020 presidential candidate. The clue uses her last name to prompt the solver for her first name, "Tulsi," which is also a type of holy basil in Hindu culture. Since crosswords often rely on well-known public figures, her political prominence makes this a straightforward reference. The answer fits neatly as a short, recognizable name.