Elections

A: Did you hear that Max and Andrew are running for president? They both made
campaign speeches yesterday to announce it.
B: This presidential election is going to be very close. Which candidate are you going
to support?
A: I personally like Max’s platform more, but I think the majority of the people are
going to vote for Andrew. I also heard that Andrew is more qualified for the job.
B: Which party do they belong to?
A: Well, Max was nominated by the Democratic Party and Andrew was nominated
by the Republican Party.
B: What is Max’s position on education?
A: Max said that if he becomes president, students will never have to take tests again!
That’s why everyone should vote for him.
B: Ahh, I don’t care. All politicians are the same anyway.

Vocabulary:

President (n) – the official leader of something; presidential (adj), presidency (n)
Campaign – (n) competition by rival candidates for political office, (v) to promote a
particular cause or person; campaign (adj.)
Election (n) – selection of someone for office; to elect (v)
Candidate (n) – someone who is trying to be elected to a political position or applying
for a job
To Support (v) – to say you agree with someone and want them to succeed
Platform (n) – principles and objectives of a candidate
Majority (n/adj) – number larger than half of the group
To Vote (v) – to pick someone for political office, to formally make a choice; vote (n)
Qualified (adj) – having the right knowledge and skills for a job; qualification (n)
Party (n) – political group, 党
To nominate (v) – to suggest someone for a job
Democratic vs. Republican (adj.) – 属于民主党/共和党
Position (n) – an opinion about something
Politician (n) – someone elected into political office

Grammar:
• Running for + ________ = is competing in an election for the job of _______
- Hillary Clinton is running for president.

• To make a speech = to say a speech

- Hu Jintao made a speech in Beijing yesterday.

• Close = to almost attain something

- He was very close to having the highest grade in school.