The Democratic President
Il Presidente democratico
Since the times of Franklin Roosevelt, solo un presidente democratico (only one Democratic president) — Bill Clinton — has managed a farsi rieleggere (to get himself re-elected). President Barack Obama non intende essere da meno (intends to do no less), but as journalists in Italy and elsewhere have noted, “Non sarà facile” (It will not be easy).
At last week’s convention, “Mom-in-chief” (which didn't translate) Michelle Obama ha raccontato il lato umano del presidente (talked about the human side of the President). By concentrating sull'aspetto privato e familiare senza mai nominare gli avversari (on the private and familial aspect without ever naming adversaries), she conveyed the message: “il vero sogno americano siamo noi" (We are the true American dream).
The following evening former President Clinton ha infiammato i democratici (inflamed the Democrats) with a speech that ended in un tripudio, ovazioni, applausi ritmati ed Obama che sale sul palco per abbracciarlo (in jubilation, ovations, rhythmic applause and Obama coming onto the stage to embrace him).
In his acceptance speech, President Obama reminded Americans that they face una scelta non solo tra due candidati o due partiti ma tra due visioni del futuro (a choice not only between two candidates or two parties but between two visions of the future). Rather than offering troppo facili promesse (too easy promises), he declared, "Non faccio finta che la strada che vi indico sia veloce o facile" (I do not pretend that the road I indicate to you is fast or easy).
But of one thing, non ha dubbi (he has no doubts): "I nostri problemi possono essere risolti, le nostre sfide vinte" (Our problems can be solved; our challenges overcome).
However, since he was elected to dire la verità (tell the truth), the President reminded delegates that la verità è che ci occorre più di qualche anno per risolvere sfide che si sono accumulate per decenni (the truth is that it takes more than a few years to resolve challenges that accumulated over decades).
Quando tutto sarà detto e fatto (when all is said and done), il Commander in Chief urged voters: Ricordatevi che dalla vostra scelta dipende il futuro vostro e dei vostri figli (Remember that your future and your children’s depends on your choice).
As he expressed his faith in “voi, il popolo Americano” (you, the American people), the hall exploded in shouts of “Ancora quattro anni!” (Four more years!)
Words and Expressions
votare –- to vote
liberale — liberal
conservatore –- conservative
i sondaggi –- the polls
Dianne Hales is the author of LA BELLA LINGUA: My Love Affair with Italian, the World's Most Enchanting Language.
