VOA标准英语2009年-Obama Steps Up Campaign for Health Care Re

U.S. President Barack Obama is devoting much of his time these days to one issue: reforming the nation's health care system. Concerns about the cost and scope of reform are growing among members of Congress and the general public. Mr. Obama is making an all-out effort to regain¹ the upper hand.

President Obama is speaking out about health care reform on a daily basis - stressing its importance to the nation's long term economic well-being².
　
Pres. Obama talks about health care reform after a discussion with health care providers, 20 Jul 2009

The latest stop on his campaign was the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. - a hospital that provides specialized³ care in the capital city area.

He met with doctors, nurses and administrators⁴. Afterwards, he told reporters that what he heard only strengthened his conviction that health care reform is needed now.

"We spoke⁵ about some of the strains on our health care system and some of the strains our health care system places on parents with sick children," he said.

Mr. Obama said there is a health care crisis. And he said politics must not be allowed to get in the way of reform.

The need for reform is urgent and it is indisputable. No one denies that we are on an unsustainable path," he added.

The stepped up White House campaign for health care reform comes at a time when public support is slipping, and Republican opponents appear emboldened⁶.

The latest survey of public opinion -conducted by the Washington Post and the ABC broadcast network - indicates growing doubts among Americans about the president's handling of the issue.

Less than half of those polled - 49 percent - said they agree with his stand on health care. That is down from 57 percent in April.
　
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele (File)

Shortly after the poll results were released, Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele delivered a speech blasting the president's push for health care reform.

"The Barack Obama experiment with America is a risk our country cannot afford. It is too much, too fast, too soon," said the president.

Other Republicans have spoken in even tougher terms, with one senator suggesting health care will be Barack Obama's political downfall.

During his hospital visit, President Obama referred to those comments.

"This isn't about me. This isn't about politics. This is about a health care system that is breaking America's families, breaking America's businesses and breaking America's economy," said President Obama.

Mr. Obama said he knows reforming the nation's health care system will not be easy. But he said it is the right thing to do.

1 regain   

vt.重新获得，收复，恢复

参考例句：

• He is making a bid to regain his World No.1 ranking.他正为重登世界排名第一位而努力。
• The government is desperate to regain credibility with the public.政府急于重新获取公众的信任。

2 well-being   

n.安康，安乐，幸福

参考例句：

• He always has the well-being of the masses at heart.他总是把群众的疾苦挂在心上。
• My concern for their well-being was misunderstood as interference.我关心他们的幸福，却被误解为多管闲事。

3 specialized   

adj.专门的，专业化的

参考例句：

• There are many specialized agencies in the United Nations.联合国有许多专门机构。
• These tools are very specialized.这些是专用工具。

4 administrators   

n.管理者( administrator的名词复数 )；有管理（或行政）才能的人；（由遗嘱检验法庭指定的）遗产管理人；奉派暂管主教教区的牧师

参考例句：

• He had administrators under him but took the crucial decisions himself. 他手下有管理人员，但重要的决策仍由他自己来做。 来自辞典例句
• Administrators have their own methods of social intercourse. 办行政的人有他们的社交方式。 来自汉英文学 - 围城

5 spoke   

n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说

参考例句：

• They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
• The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。

6 emboldened   

v.鼓励，使有胆量( embolden的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• Emboldened by the wine, he went over to introduce himself to her. 他借酒壮胆，走上前去向她作自我介绍。
• His success emboldened him to expand his business. 他有了成就因而激发他进一步扩展业务。 来自《简明英汉词典》