A practical scientist, perhaps, welcoming a US statesman? (8)
I believe the answer is:
alabaman
'a practical scientist' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'welcoming a us statesman?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'us' could be 'man' (mankind) and 'man' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'perhaps' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for alabaman that I've seen before include "for whom Montgomery might provide accommodation" , "Native of one southern US?state" , "in an American state" .)