Unit 2 Politics

Text 6

Listening Comprehension Test (video)

George W. Bush:

Election Victory Speech (excerpt)

on Nov. 3, 2004

Transcript:

[…]

I want to thank the thousands of our supporters across our country.

I want to thank you for your hugs on the rope lines. I want to thank you for your prayers on the rope lines. I want to thank you for your kind words on the rope lines.

I want to thank you for everything you did to make the calls and to put up the signs, to talk to your neighbours, and to get out the vote.

A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation

And because you did the incredible work, we are celebrating today.

There's an old saying, "Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, pray for powers equal to your tasks."

In four historic years, America has been given great tasks and faced them with strength and courage.

Our people have restored the vigour of this economy and shown resolve and patience in a new kind of war.

Our military has brought justice to the enemy and honour to America.

Our nation has defended itself and served the freedom of all mankind. I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I am proud to lead it forward.

Because we have done the hard work, we are entering a season of hope. We will continue our economic progress.

We will reform our outdated tax code. We will strengthen the Social Security for the next generation.

We will make public schools all they can be, and we will uphold our deepest values of family and faith.

We will help the emerging democracies of Iraq and Afghanistan so they can grow in strength and defend their freedom, and then our servicemen and women will come home with the honour they have earned.

With good allies at our side, we will fight this war on terror with every resource of our national power so our children can live in freedom and in peace.

Reaching these goals will require the broad support of Americans, so today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent.

On the open plains of Texas, I first learned the character of our country; sturdy and honest, and as hopeful as the break of day

To make this nation stronger and better, I will need your support and I will work to earn it. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust.

A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one constitution, and one future that binds us.

And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America.

Let me close with a word to the people of the state of Texas. We have known each other the longest, and you started me on this journey.

On the open plains of Texas, I first learned the character of our country; sturdy and honest, and as hopeful as the break of day.

I will always be grateful to the good people of my state. And whatever the road that lies ahead, that road will take me home.

A campaign has ended, and the United States of America goes forward with confidence and faith.

I see a great day coming for our country, and I am eager for the work ahead.

God bless you. And may God bless America.