VOA标准英语2016--Upcoming Elections Energize Young Voters in New York City

Upcoming Elections Energize¹ Young Voters in New York City

NEW YORK—

In New York City, opinions on the U.S. presidential candidates are as diverse as the city itself.

Some New Yorkers are pro-Donald Trump², like Jane Jimenez. “I think he’s a good businessman and I think, financially, we need someone with that type of experience,” she said.

New Yorker Sharon Simpkins on the other hand, is not a big fan. “Trump? Forget it. We’re not gonna talk about him,” she said.

But at a rally this past Wednesday in Washington Square Park, there was no mistaking who brought everyone out.  A reported crowd of 27,000 showed up to support Bernie Sanders, brandishing³ homemade signs and proudly sporting “Bernie 2016” stickers. Among the crowd were many young, first-time voters like New York University student Azza Awad.  

Sense of history

“I wanted to be a part of history. It’s my first time voting ... and being in the flesh will make this more surreal, the whole voting process,” said Awad. As a young Muslim, Awad also felt Sanders was more tolerant than other candidates. “He makes me feel like an American, and that’s, like, the best thing that you can feel, especially during these times.”  

“He doesn’t want to profile us like some of the other candidates do,” Awad added.

Another NYU student, Rose Fitzmaurice, said she felt she needed to attend: “I think that it’s really important to show that there’s a lot of support for him physically⁴, because I don’t think it’s really being shown in the media right now.”

Framed by the historic Washington Square Arch, rock bands Vampire⁵ Weekend and the Dirty Projectors⁶ performed to an energized⁷ crowd. Young supporters were eager to explain why Bernie Sanders was their pick for president.

"He’s had a really consistent message, starting back from when he was part of the civil rights movement," said NYU freshman⁸ Stephanie Hauck.

For Nitza Epifanio, who attends John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the rising cost of college tuition was another reason to support Sanders. “Bernie’s fighting for us to get a free education, but of good value. And I think that will not also affect me, but also future generations that will be going off to college,” said Epifanio.

Other attendees came out in the hopes of being persuaded to vote one way or the other.

No decision yet

Student Katie Ho was undecided between Hillary Clinton and Sanders. "I'm in between. I've always really liked Hillary Clinton because she’s a powerful woman and that’s what our country needs. But I also really do like Bernie and what he stands for."

Out on the streets, other young voters raised more specific concerns. Maxine Armstrong was excited to be voting for the first time and wanted a candidate sensitive to the needs of the LGBT community.

"I think trans, especially trans black women, are dealing⁹ with a lot of discrimination," noted¹⁰ Armstrong. “Bernie has spoken about the trans community and the LGBT community and I haven’t heard anything from Hillary.”

New Yorker Jennifer Jones wanted more specifics on employment opportunities for minorities. "Hillary Clinton talks about equal pay for the same job and things like that, but most minorities, many of us just want a good job," she said.

While their issues may vary, these voters can all agree that participating in the electoral process is vital.  

NYU student Melissa Bruno-Piverger emphasized, “Whoever you’re voting for, just vote. Because voter turnout is horrible in the U.S. So honestly, if you’re Republican, you want to vote Trump, fine. Just vote.”

1 energize   

vt.给予(某人或某物)精力、能量

参考例句：

• It is used to energize the city.它的作用是为城市供给能量。
• This is a great way to energize yourself and give yourself more power!这种方法非常棒，可以激活你的能量，让你有更多的活力！

2 trump   

n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭

参考例句：

• He was never able to trump up the courage to have a showdown.他始终鼓不起勇气摊牌。
• The coach saved his star player for a trump card.教练保留他的明星选手，作为他的王牌。

3 brandishing   

v.挥舞( brandish的现在分词 )；炫耀

参考例句：

• The horseman came up to Robin Hood, brandishing his sword. 那个骑士挥舞着剑，来到罗宾汉面前。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• He appeared in the lounge brandishing a knife. 他挥舞着一把小刀，出现在休息室里。 来自辞典例句

4 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。

5 vampire   

n.吸血鬼

参考例句：

• It wasn't a wife waiting there for him but a blood sucking vampire!家里的不是个老婆，而是个吸人血的妖精！
• Children were afraid to go to sleep at night because of the many legends of vampire.由于听过许多有关吸血鬼的传说，孩子们晚上不敢去睡觉。

6 projectors   

电影放映机，幻灯机( projector的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Energy projectors fired and peeled off the ships' armor in a flash. 能量投射器开火然后在一阵闪光后剥离了飞船的装甲。
• All classrooms equipped with computers, projectors, video and audio booth, broadcasting equipment. 全部教室配备电脑、投影仪、视频展台和音响、广播设备。

7 energized   

v.给予…精力，能量( energize的过去式和过去分词 )；使通电

参考例句：

• We are energized by love if we put our energy into loving. 如果我们付出能量去表现爱意，爱就会使我们充满活力。 来自辞典例句
• I am completely energized and feeling terrific. 我充满了活力，感觉非常好。 来自辞典例句

8 freshman   

n.大学一年级学生(可兼指男女)

参考例句：

• Jack decided to live in during his freshman year at college.杰克决定大一时住校。
• He is a freshman in the show business.他在演艺界是一名新手。

9 dealing   

n.经商方法，待人态度

参考例句：

• This store has an excellent reputation for fair dealing.该商店因买卖公道而享有极高的声誉。
• His fair dealing earned our confidence.他的诚实的行为获得我们的信任。

10 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。