Popular President hugged by lady every now and then (5)
I believe the answer is:
liked
'popular' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'president hugged by lady every now and then' is the wordplay.
'president' becomes 'ike' (nickname of Dwight Eisenhower).
'hugged by' is an insertion indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'every now and then' indicates alternate letters (letters selected at regular intervals).
The alternate letters of 'lady' are 'ld'.
'ike' placed within 'ld' is 'LIKED'.
(Other definitions for liked that I've seen before include "Took pleasure in" , "Appreciated" , "Was fond of" , "Enjoyed - popular" .)