VOA常速英语2007年-Poll Shows Economy Overtakes Iraq as Top Issue

By Mil Arcega
Washington
14 December 2007
 

For the first time in the 2008 presidential campaign, the economy has overtaken Iraq as the number one issue facing the country. An ABC News poll this week shows that 44 percent of voters think the economy is the nation's biggest problem, compared to 37 percent who say they are more worried about Iraq. VOA's Mil Arcega reports.

If the 2004 election was about terrorism, the 2008 vote is shaping up to be all about the U.S. economy.

With all the headlines about a possible U.S. recession, skyrocketing oil prices and millions of home foreclosures, Wall Street Journal editor Wendy Bounds says it is enough to dampen holiday spirits.

"We're heading to this final stretch of the holidays," she said. "I think it's inevitable¹ that unless you have a loved one who is fighting overseas, that inevitably², your attention is going to turn to your pocketbook."

And as the latest ABC News poll shows, for the first time, concerns about the economy have taken over Iraq as the number one issue for voters - something the top Republican and Democratic party presidential candidates are mindful of.

"Many of them are having to work two jobs," said Repubican candidate Mike Huckabee. 

"Increasingly, I see that the economy will be front and center," said Democratic hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton. 

"There are structural³ problems in our economy," said John Edwards, also a Democratic candidate.  

And Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, has said, "Some economists⁴ are now predicting a possible recession."

For some Americans, the renewed focus on the economy revolves⁵ around uncertainty⁶.

"It's just, again, a lack of confidence," said one man. "What's around the corner? We don't know."

But for those facing the prospect⁷ of losing their homes, or having to pay more for gas, Wendy Bounds says the issue is less about uncertainty and more about shrinking wallets.

"I think people really are feeling a pinch," she said. "People thinking, wait, my mortgage is going to go up $300-$400. I've got to think about what I'm spending."

One woman said, "We are spending less. By this time last year, I would have had tons of gifts under the tree."

Of those who were polled, only 28 percent of voters say the economy is in good shape, the lowest confidence rating in four years. Not the kind of news retailers⁸ want to hear with less than two weeks to go in a make or break holiday shopping season.

1 inevitable   

adj.不可避免的，必然发生的

参考例句：

• Mary was wearing her inevitable large hat.玛丽戴着她总是戴的那顶大帽子。
• The defeat had inevitable consequences for British policy.战败对英国政策不可避免地产生了影响。

2 inevitably   

adv.不可避免地；必然发生地

参考例句：

• In the way you go on,you are inevitably coming apart.照你们这样下去，毫无疑问是会散伙的。
• Technological changes will inevitably lead to unemployment.技术变革必然会导致失业。

3 structural   

adj.构造的，组织的，建筑（用）的

参考例句：

• The storm caused no structural damage.风暴没有造成建筑结构方面的破坏。
• The North American continent is made up of three great structural entities.北美大陆是由三个构造单元组成的。

4 economists   

n.经济学家，经济专家( economist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The sudden rise in share prices has confounded economists. 股价的突然上涨使经济学家大惑不解。
• Foreign bankers and economists cautiously welcomed the minister's initiative. 外国银行家和经济学家对部长的倡议反应谨慎。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 revolves   

v.（使）旋转( revolve的第三人称单数 )；细想

参考例句：

• The earth revolves both round the sun and on its own axis. 地球既公转又自转。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Thus a wheel revolves on its axle. 于是，轮子在轴上旋转。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 uncertainty   

n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物

参考例句：

• Her comments will add to the uncertainty of the situation.她的批评将会使局势更加不稳定。
• After six weeks of uncertainty,the strain was beginning to take its toll.6个星期的忐忑不安后，压力开始产生影响了。

7 prospect   

n.前景，前途；景色，视野

参考例句：

• This state of things holds out a cheerful prospect.事态呈现出可喜的前景。
• The prospect became more evident.前景变得更加明朗了。

8 retailers   

零售商，零售店( retailer的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• High street retailers reported a marked increase in sales before Christmas. 商业街的零售商报告说圣诞节前销售量显著提高。
• Retailers have a statutory duty to provide goods suitable for their purpose. 零售商有为他们提供符合要求的货品的法定义务。