"I had to admit I'd pretty much failed at the whole low-profile thing"

In this quote, Mary Cheney is reflecting on her attempt to maintain a low-profile, or to keep a low profile and not attract attention or examination. Nevertheless, she confesses that she has not succeeded in this venture. By using the phrase "pretty much stopped working," she acknowledges that while she might have had some moments of success, general she has actually not had the ability to attain her objective. This might recommend that she has actually faced difficulties or barriers in attempting to keep a low-profile, or that she has made errors that have actually brought attention to herself. Overall, the quote highlights the difficulty of attempting to avoid of the spotlight in a public or prominent position.