America re-elects President Barack Obama

Americans voted to re-elect incumbent president Barack Obama on Tuesday in one of the closest contests in U.S. history. President Obama saw off the challenge of Republican opponent Mitt Romney, who asked the nation to pray for Mr Obama in his goal to re-ignite the American economy. It was a nail-biting finish to what was a long, exhausting, bitter and expensive election campaign. 

Pre-election polls and TV stations said either man could have won the presidency. It all depended on several swing states, the winner of which would secure the 270 electoral votes needed to guarantee victory. Once the state of Ohio went to the Democrats, Obama knew he had another four years in the White House.

Many Americans felt relief that the election has now been decided. They had to endure dozens of nightly advertisements in what was the most expensive campaign in history. Most voters complained that the ads were overly negative and simply attacked the other side rather than outlining policy promises. 

Despite the poor state of the American economy, voters once again put their faith in Mr Obama. Many believe Obama won against all the odds. Thomas L Friedman of the New York Times wrote: "No one can know for sure what complex emotional chemistry tipped this election Obama's way…It came down to a majority of Americans believing that…Obama was trying his hardest to fix what ails the country."


EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY

1. incumbent [IN-KUM-BENT]
Meaning: (noun) One that occupies a particular position or place
Example Sentence: Voters will have the chance to see the incumbent and her opponent in a series of three debates.

2. re-ignite [RE-IG-NAYT]

Meaning: (verb) to begin to glow again; to make it prosper again
Example Sentence: The team reignite their aim to win the championship.

3. nail-biting [NEYL-BAY-TING]

Meaning: (noun) A situation marked by tense nervousness or apprehension, especially in a contest whose outcome is uncertain.
Example Sentence: They are both good in singing so it is nail-biting competition for the audience especially for their supporters.

EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS

1. What do you think of Barack Obama?
2. Who did you like better – Obama or Romney? Why?
3. What do you think of America's democratic process?
4. What do you think of two billion dollars being spent on the election?
5. What do you think is the importance of election?


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