Crossword Genius

Would-be president, say, apt to speak frankly, scoffed (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

candidate

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(Other definitions for candidate that I've seen before include "Job applicant or political aspirant" , "Applicant, nominee 99)" , "Person who seeks appointment to an office" , "Detain cad seeking appointment" , "prospective employee?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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