VOA标准英语2008年-McCain, Obama, Stress Change

Both major-party candidates for U.S. president are stressing the need for change in Washington. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports in nationally broadcast interviews Democrat¹ Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are calling for reform.
　
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, during a news conference in Terre Haute, Indiana, 06 Sep 2008

Senator Obama says during the remaining weeks of the campaign, he must convince voters that he is the only candidate who can really bring change to the nation's capital.

"The American people know we are in a bad place. They understand that the country is off track. They know the economy is not working for them," said Obama. "And what they have to be persuaded of is that there is a big difference between the parties."

Speaking on the ABC television program This Week, Obama said Americans have become cynical², and with good reason.

"And what I have got to say is there is a real difference here. John McCain, who is a good man and has a compelling biography, has embraced and adopted the George Bush economic platform," he added.
　
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain addresses supporters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 06 Sep 2008

Senator McCain emphasized last week at his party's national convention that he has struck his own path throughout his political career. On the CBS broadcast Face the Nation, he said he would put in place a unity³ government, bringing in Democrats⁴ and independents at the highest levels.

"It is going to be the best people in America, the smartest people in America," said McCain. "So many of these problems we face, for example, energy independence, what is partisan⁵ about that?"

McCain also praised his vice-presidential running mate, Alaska governor Sarah Palin, saying she has a clear record of reform.

"She did the things that Americans want most," said McCain. "So in all due respect to any of the critics, what we want is the change in Washington. And who better in the political landscape could do that than Governor Sarah Palin whose whole life has been engaged in that?"

In the coming weeks, there will be three presidential debates between Senators McCain and Obama, and one debate involving Governor Palin and the Democratic Party's vice-presidential nominee⁶, Senator Joseph Biden.

Biden said Sunday that he considers Palin, a newcomer on the national political scene, to be a formidable opponent. He told the NBC program Meet the Press that he wants to hear more about her stands on individual issues.

 

1 democrat   

n.民主主义者，民主人士；民主党党员

参考例句：

• The Democrat and the Public criticized each other.民主党人和共和党人互相攻击。
• About two years later,he was defeated by Democrat Jimmy Carter.大约两年后，他被民主党人杰米卡特击败。

2 cynical   

adj.(对人性或动机)怀疑的，不信世道向善的

参考例句：

• The enormous difficulty makes him cynical about the feasibility of the idea.由于困难很大，他对这个主意是否可行持怀疑态度。
• He was cynical that any good could come of democracy.他不相信民主会带来什么好处。

3 unity   

n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调

参考例句：

• When we speak of unity,we do not mean unprincipled peace.所谓团结，并非一团和气。
• We must strengthen our unity in the face of powerful enemies.大敌当前，我们必须加强团结。

4 democrats   

n.民主主义者，民主人士( democrat的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The Democrats held a pep rally on Capitol Hill yesterday. 民主党昨天在国会山召开了竞选誓师大会。
• The democrats organize a filibuster in the senate. 民主党党员组织了阻挠议事。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 partisan   

adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒

参考例句：

• In their anger they forget all the partisan quarrels.愤怒之中，他们忘掉一切党派之争。
• The numerous newly created partisan detachments began working slowly towards that region.许多新建的游击队都开始慢慢地向那里移动。

6 nominee   

n.被提名者；被任命者；被推荐者

参考例句：

• His nominee for vice president was elected only after a second ballot.他提名的副总统在两轮投票后才当选。
• Mr.Francisco is standing as the official nominee for the post of District Secretary.弗朗西斯科先生是行政书记职位的正式提名人。