The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word PRESIDENTIAL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
R
E
S
I
D
E
N
T
I
A
L
More clues leading to the result PRESIDENTIAL
- China welcomes guest, one showing qualities of leadership
- Just like Washington, say, putting parking above providing places to live?
- Democrat absorbed by awful peril in East, as Roosevelt was
- Typically Lincoln’s for living in, under pressure
- Parent lied — is out of order, like Nixon and Clinton?
- Like some leaders in power, not suitable for offices
- Leader’s power, dealing with occupation
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "showing qualities of leadership" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case showing qualities of leadership = presidential.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PRESIDENTIAL mean?
PRESIDENTIAL adjective- Pertaining to a president or presidency.
- Presiding or watching over.
- With the bearing or composure that befits a president; stately, dignified.