來源
http://beta1.myoops.org/main.php?act=course&id=2260&setlang=tc#additional
The President-elect of the United Statest Speech by Barack Obama
歐巴馬當選美國總統演講
翻譯、編輯：朱學恆
部落格介紹文
兩年前深冬之際，我們踏上這艱困的旅程
在伊立諾州春田市舊州議會的台階上
我知道我國的政治機制，已無法解決我們所面對的挑戰
我深信，不論是民主黨人或是共和黨人
以及擁有各種不同政治立場的美國人們
都渴望新創見、新領導以及新政治
經歷二十一個月之後
我們已踏過漫漫征途
終點已經在望
一切都因為有你們
因此，我們更不能慢下腳步
更不能鬆懈下來
在這最後一週，
不管是一天、一分或一秒都不能放棄
現在不行！
在這關鍵的一刻不行！
若還有人懷疑美國是實現所有夢想之處；若還有人懷疑我們開國先烈們的夢想在今日是否依舊存在；若還有人懷疑我們民主的力量，今夜就是你們的答案。
那些綿延在學校和教堂外前所未見的投票人潮回答了你們的疑問。那些今生第一次寧願等待三、四小時投票，只因他們相信這次將會不同，而他們的挺身而出就是那關鍵的不同。
青年和長者，富人和窮人，民主黨人，共和黨人，黑人、白人、拉丁裔、亞裔、原住民，同性戀、異性戀，身體殘障的、四肢健全的... 美國絕非僅由單一個體，或政治立場不同的州所組成，我們昭告世界，我們永遠都是美利堅合眾國。
多年以來許多憤世嫉俗、許多懷疑、恐懼的人們口耳相傳，不肯相信我們能夠逆轉歷史走向，讓它走向更光明未來的人們，今夜他們也得到了答案。
雖然歷經許多時光，但今夜，因為我們今天的抉擇，在這場選舉中，在這個關鍵時刻，改變降臨在美國。
我剛接到參議員麥肯卓有風範的道賀電話。他為了這場選戰努力許久，他更曾為了所摯愛的國家奮戰和付出許多。 他為美國所做的奉獻犧牲我們難以想像，由於這位勇敢無私領導者的付出，我們才能過的更好。我恭賀他和裴林州長的成就，我也期待未來能和他們合作，替國家開創更美好的未來。
我也要感謝這場旅程中的伙伴，一位全心參加選戰，為Scranton街上和他一起成長的男女，那些和他一起乘坐火車回到Delaware家中的人代言的美國的副總統當選人，Joe Biden。
如果沒有我家中的基礎，我的摯愛過去十六年毫不退縮的支持，我不可能會站在此地。獻給我國下一位第一夫人，Michelle Obama。 Sasha和Malia，我是如此的疼愛你們，你們也贏得了一隻能一起住進白宮的新小狗。雖然我祖母已經不在人世，但她肯定和讓我能有今日的家人們一起看顧著我。 今晚，我很想念他們，我虧欠他們的難以估計。
感謝我的姊妹Maya和Alma，以及我所有的兄弟姊妹們，感謝你們給予我的支持。
我還必須感謝我的競選總召，David Plouffe，他是此次選舉的幕後英雄，建立了美國政治史上最好的競選團隊。我的策略長David Axelord，他和我一起共度了這場旅程的每一步。獻給政治史上最好的競選團隊，是你們讓這一切發生，我將永遠感謝你們的犧牲奉獻。
但是，我從來沒有忘記這場勝利真正的關鍵，這場勝利屬於你們。
我從開始就不是最有希望的候選人。 我們參選時既無大筆預算，也無名人站台。 我們的選戰並非自首都的華麗大廳中開始。它是從Moines市的後院，Concord鎮的客廳，Charleston的門廊上開始的。
我們的選戰是由那些辛勤工作的人們所組成，他們從微薄的存款中掏出五元、十元、二十元來支持這場選戰。 這場選舉從那些願意擺脫年輕世代冷漠形象的青年手中獲得力量。他們離開家園領取微薄工資、犧牲睡眠，只為了和我們共同努力。同時我們也從那些在豔陽下、寒冬中跋涉，只為拜訪陌生人的長者身上獲得力量。我們更從那些自告奮勇挺身而出的美國人身上獲得力量，他們證明在兩百年之後，民有、民治、民享的政府並未消失。這是屬於你們的勝利。
我知道你們並非只為贏得選舉而努力。我知道你們並非是為了我而犧牲。 因為你們知道未來的挑戰依舊沈重，所以你們願意付出。 即使我們今夜歡呼慶祝，但我們都知道明天要面對此生最大的挑戰：兩場戰爭，殘破不堪的地球，本世紀最嚴重的金融風暴。即使我們今夜在此慶祝，我們也不能忘記在伊拉克的沙漠中，阿富汗的山區中，有我們英勇的同胞為我們冒著生命的危險。 無數的父母在孩子們入睡之後輾轉難眠，因為他們擔心要如何繳交貸款，要如何付清醫藥費，或是存下孩子上大學的學費。我們必須要駕馭新能源，創造新工作，建造新學校，對抗威脅，修補盟約。
我們任重而道遠。 我們的前途充滿挑戰。 一年或是一個任期可能都無法達成這些目標。但是，同胞們，我從未像今日一樣深信我們可以達成目標。 我向各位承諾，我們將以一個民族的力量達成這些目標。
我們會遭遇到打擊，會遭遇到挫折。 有許多人不會認同我以總統身份所做的決定，我們也很清楚政府不可能解決所有問題。 但對於我們所面對的挑戰，我一定會誠實告知各位。我會傾聽各位的聲音，特別是當我們意見紛歧時。 不僅如此，我還會邀請各位一起重建我們這國家。就跟過去兩百二十一年中的每次挑戰一樣，我們要一磚一瓦，篳路藍縷的重建這塊土地。
二十一個月前在深冬開始的旅程，不會在這個秋夜結束。 這場勝利並不是我們所尋求的改變。這只不過是讓我們可以造成改變的開端而已。 如果我們重蹈覆轍，就不可能有真正的改變。沒有你們，改變不可能發生。沒有新的奉獻與犧牲的精神，這一切不會發生。
讓我們喚醒新的愛國主義；每個人決定為這個國家多付出一些，多扛起一些責任，不只自立自強，也攜手互助。 讓我們記住這次金融危機帶給我們的教訓。若是全國受苦，華爾街不可能獨享繁華。這個國家，這個民族必須同舟共濟。
我們必須抵抗那毒害我國政治已久的結黨營私、小題大作和不成熟的傳統。 我們必須記住，第一位帶著共和黨旗幟進入白宮的人出身此州。共和黨的價值是自力更生，獨立自由以及國家團結。這是我們共通的價值，雖然今晚民主黨獲得大勝，但我們懷著謙卑和決心，要醫治這阻斷進步的歧見。 林肯當年所面對的國家比今日更為分裂，但他依舊說道：「我們不是敵人，而是同胞。雖然不同立場的熱情考驗我們的情誼，但絕不可讓它切斷我們同根相連的情感。還有那些我尚未贏得支持的美國同胞們：我或許沒有贏得各位的選票，但我聽見了各位的聲音。我需要你們的幫助，我也會成為你們的總統。
那些在海外的議會、宮殿目擊這一切的人們，以及那些在海角聆聽著收音機的人們，我們的故事或許獨特，但我們的命運卻是共同的。新的美國領導世代即將到來。 那些意欲撕裂這世界的人們，我們將擊垮你們。那些尋求和平與安全的人們，我們將支援你們。 那些質疑美國的燈塔是否依舊閃耀的人們，今夜我們再度證明美國的力量不是來自於堅甲利兵，也不是來自於國富民強。那力量是來自於我們的信念：民主、自由、機會和絕不放棄的希望。
這才是美國真正的力量，美國可以改變。 我們的團結可以更臻完美。 我們今天達成的目標，讓我們更對明天必須完成的任務抱持希望。
這次選舉有許多創舉，也將有許多故事流傳後代。 但我今晚所想到的是一名在亞特蘭大投下一票的婦女。 她和數百萬耐心排隊，在這選舉中努力發聲的人們一樣。唯一不同之處在於，Ann Nixon Cooper今年一百零六歲。
她在蓄奴時代結束後出生，那時路上沒有汽車，天上沒有飛機。像她一樣的人不能投票，因為兩個原因：她是女性和她的膚色。今晚，我思考著她在美國一整個世紀所看到的歷史：那些心痛和希望的時刻，那些努力和進步的時刻，那些我們被告知自己作不到，但美國人民卻抱持著信念的時刻：我們作的到。
當女性的聲音被壓抑，希望被剝奪的時候，她目擊婦女挺身而出，大聲呼籲，最終獲得了投票權。 我們作的到。
當美國大地上充滿了絕望，全國滿是蕭條時，她看見我國克服恐懼，實施新政，創造出新的工作和新的全民目標。 我們作的到。
當炸彈落在我們的港灣，暴政威脅全球時，她目睹了一整個世代扛起責任，拯救了民主世界。 我們作的到。
她目睹了種族歧視的巴士，民權示威的鎮暴水柱，和平示威卻換來了血腥鎮壓，她親耳聽到了一名來自亞特蘭大的牧師告訴大家：我們終將獲勝。我們作的到。
當人類登上月球，柏林圍牆倒下，世界被我們的科學和想像力結合在一起。
今年，這場選舉，她在電腦螢幕上按鈕投票。因為在她經歷的一百零六年的時光中，她見過光明與黑暗的時刻，她知道美國可以改變。 我們作的到。
美國的同胞們，我們已越過漫漫征途。 我們見識過無數的景象。 但眼前依舊有許多任務等著我們完成。 今夜，讓我們自問：如果我們的子女可以活到下一個世紀；如果我女兒可像Ann Nixon Cooper一樣幸運長壽，他們將會看到什麼樣的改變？ 我們將會如何進步？
這將是我們回應下一代期待的機會。 這是屬於我們的時刻。 這是我們的轉捩點，讓人們重回工作崗位，讓孩子們獲得平等的機會，恢復社會的繁榮，推動世界的和平；重建美國的夢想，重新挽回那最基本的信念：雖有億萬國民，但我們是同一民族。我們呼吸，我們期待，我們會遭遇冷嘲熱諷和懷疑，將會有人告訴我們作不到。
而我們將會用美國人民每一個世代的信念來回答：我們作的到。
謝謝各位，天佑諸位，天佑美利堅合眾國。
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you’ve given me. I am grateful to them.
To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
http://beta1.myoops.org/main.php?act=course&id=2260&setlang=tc#additional
The President-elect of the United Statest Speech by Barack Obama
歐巴馬當選美國總統演講
翻譯、編輯：朱學恆
部落格介紹文
兩年前深冬之際，我們踏上這艱困的旅程
在伊立諾州春田市舊州議會的台階上
我知道我國的政治機制，已無法解決我們所面對的挑戰
我深信，不論是民主黨人或是共和黨人
以及擁有各種不同政治立場的美國人們
都渴望新創見、新領導以及新政治
經歷二十一個月之後
我們已踏過漫漫征途
終點已經在望
一切都因為有你們
因此，我們更不能慢下腳步
更不能鬆懈下來
在這最後一週，
不管是一天、一分或一秒都不能放棄
現在不行！
在這關鍵的一刻不行！
若還有人懷疑美國是實現所有夢想之處；若還有人懷疑我們開國先烈們的夢想在今日是否依舊存在；若還有人懷疑我們民主的力量，今夜就是你們的答案。
那些綿延在學校和教堂外前所未見的投票人潮回答了你們的疑問。那些今生第一次寧願等待三、四小時投票，只因他們相信這次將會不同，而他們的挺身而出就是那關鍵的不同。
青年和長者，富人和窮人，民主黨人，共和黨人，黑人、白人、拉丁裔、亞裔、原住民，同性戀、異性戀，身體殘障的、四肢健全的... 美國絕非僅由單一個體，或政治立場不同的州所組成，我們昭告世界，我們永遠都是美利堅合眾國。
多年以來許多憤世嫉俗、許多懷疑、恐懼的人們口耳相傳，不肯相信我們能夠逆轉歷史走向，讓它走向更光明未來的人們，今夜他們也得到了答案。
雖然歷經許多時光，但今夜，因為我們今天的抉擇，在這場選舉中，在這個關鍵時刻，改變降臨在美國。
我剛接到參議員麥肯卓有風範的道賀電話。他為了這場選戰努力許久，他更曾為了所摯愛的國家奮戰和付出許多。 他為美國所做的奉獻犧牲我們難以想像，由於這位勇敢無私領導者的付出，我們才能過的更好。我恭賀他和裴林州長的成就，我也期待未來能和他們合作，替國家開創更美好的未來。
我也要感謝這場旅程中的伙伴，一位全心參加選戰，為Scranton街上和他一起成長的男女，那些和他一起乘坐火車回到Delaware家中的人代言的美國的副總統當選人，Joe Biden。
如果沒有我家中的基礎，我的摯愛過去十六年毫不退縮的支持，我不可能會站在此地。獻給我國下一位第一夫人，Michelle Obama。 Sasha和Malia，我是如此的疼愛你們，你們也贏得了一隻能一起住進白宮的新小狗。雖然我祖母已經不在人世，但她肯定和讓我能有今日的家人們一起看顧著我。 今晚，我很想念他們，我虧欠他們的難以估計。
感謝我的姊妹Maya和Alma，以及我所有的兄弟姊妹們，感謝你們給予我的支持。
我還必須感謝我的競選總召，David Plouffe，他是此次選舉的幕後英雄，建立了美國政治史上最好的競選團隊。我的策略長David Axelord，他和我一起共度了這場旅程的每一步。獻給政治史上最好的競選團隊，是你們讓這一切發生，我將永遠感謝你們的犧牲奉獻。
但是，我從來沒有忘記這場勝利真正的關鍵，這場勝利屬於你們。
我從開始就不是最有希望的候選人。 我們參選時既無大筆預算，也無名人站台。 我們的選戰並非自首都的華麗大廳中開始。它是從Moines市的後院，Concord鎮的客廳，Charleston的門廊上開始的。
我們的選戰是由那些辛勤工作的人們所組成，他們從微薄的存款中掏出五元、十元、二十元來支持這場選戰。 這場選舉從那些願意擺脫年輕世代冷漠形象的青年手中獲得力量。他們離開家園領取微薄工資、犧牲睡眠，只為了和我們共同努力。同時我們也從那些在豔陽下、寒冬中跋涉，只為拜訪陌生人的長者身上獲得力量。我們更從那些自告奮勇挺身而出的美國人身上獲得力量，他們證明在兩百年之後，民有、民治、民享的政府並未消失。這是屬於你們的勝利。
我知道你們並非只為贏得選舉而努力。我知道你們並非是為了我而犧牲。 因為你們知道未來的挑戰依舊沈重，所以你們願意付出。 即使我們今夜歡呼慶祝，但我們都知道明天要面對此生最大的挑戰：兩場戰爭，殘破不堪的地球，本世紀最嚴重的金融風暴。即使我們今夜在此慶祝，我們也不能忘記在伊拉克的沙漠中，阿富汗的山區中，有我們英勇的同胞為我們冒著生命的危險。 無數的父母在孩子們入睡之後輾轉難眠，因為他們擔心要如何繳交貸款，要如何付清醫藥費，或是存下孩子上大學的學費。我們必須要駕馭新能源，創造新工作，建造新學校，對抗威脅，修補盟約。
我們任重而道遠。 我們的前途充滿挑戰。 一年或是一個任期可能都無法達成這些目標。但是，同胞們，我從未像今日一樣深信我們可以達成目標。 我向各位承諾，我們將以一個民族的力量達成這些目標。
我們會遭遇到打擊，會遭遇到挫折。 有許多人不會認同我以總統身份所做的決定，我們也很清楚政府不可能解決所有問題。 但對於我們所面對的挑戰，我一定會誠實告知各位。我會傾聽各位的聲音，特別是當我們意見紛歧時。 不僅如此，我還會邀請各位一起重建我們這國家。就跟過去兩百二十一年中的每次挑戰一樣，我們要一磚一瓦，篳路藍縷的重建這塊土地。
二十一個月前在深冬開始的旅程，不會在這個秋夜結束。 這場勝利並不是我們所尋求的改變。這只不過是讓我們可以造成改變的開端而已。 如果我們重蹈覆轍，就不可能有真正的改變。沒有你們，改變不可能發生。沒有新的奉獻與犧牲的精神，這一切不會發生。
讓我們喚醒新的愛國主義；每個人決定為這個國家多付出一些，多扛起一些責任，不只自立自強，也攜手互助。 讓我們記住這次金融危機帶給我們的教訓。若是全國受苦，華爾街不可能獨享繁華。這個國家，這個民族必須同舟共濟。
我們必須抵抗那毒害我國政治已久的結黨營私、小題大作和不成熟的傳統。 我們必須記住，第一位帶著共和黨旗幟進入白宮的人出身此州。共和黨的價值是自力更生，獨立自由以及國家團結。這是我們共通的價值，雖然今晚民主黨獲得大勝，但我們懷著謙卑和決心，要醫治這阻斷進步的歧見。 林肯當年所面對的國家比今日更為分裂，但他依舊說道：「我們不是敵人，而是同胞。雖然不同立場的熱情考驗我們的情誼，但絕不可讓它切斷我們同根相連的情感。還有那些我尚未贏得支持的美國同胞們：我或許沒有贏得各位的選票，但我聽見了各位的聲音。我需要你們的幫助，我也會成為你們的總統。
那些在海外的議會、宮殿目擊這一切的人們，以及那些在海角聆聽著收音機的人們，我們的故事或許獨特，但我們的命運卻是共同的。新的美國領導世代即將到來。 那些意欲撕裂這世界的人們，我們將擊垮你們。那些尋求和平與安全的人們，我們將支援你們。 那些質疑美國的燈塔是否依舊閃耀的人們，今夜我們再度證明美國的力量不是來自於堅甲利兵，也不是來自於國富民強。那力量是來自於我們的信念：民主、自由、機會和絕不放棄的希望。
這才是美國真正的力量，美國可以改變。 我們的團結可以更臻完美。 我們今天達成的目標，讓我們更對明天必須完成的任務抱持希望。
這次選舉有許多創舉，也將有許多故事流傳後代。 但我今晚所想到的是一名在亞特蘭大投下一票的婦女。 她和數百萬耐心排隊，在這選舉中努力發聲的人們一樣。唯一不同之處在於，Ann Nixon Cooper今年一百零六歲。
她在蓄奴時代結束後出生，那時路上沒有汽車，天上沒有飛機。像她一樣的人不能投票，因為兩個原因：她是女性和她的膚色。今晚，我思考著她在美國一整個世紀所看到的歷史：那些心痛和希望的時刻，那些努力和進步的時刻，那些我們被告知自己作不到，但美國人民卻抱持著信念的時刻：我們作的到。
當女性的聲音被壓抑，希望被剝奪的時候，她目擊婦女挺身而出，大聲呼籲，最終獲得了投票權。 我們作的到。
當美國大地上充滿了絕望，全國滿是蕭條時，她看見我國克服恐懼，實施新政，創造出新的工作和新的全民目標。 我們作的到。
當炸彈落在我們的港灣，暴政威脅全球時，她目睹了一整個世代扛起責任，拯救了民主世界。 我們作的到。
她目睹了種族歧視的巴士，民權示威的鎮暴水柱，和平示威卻換來了血腥鎮壓，她親耳聽到了一名來自亞特蘭大的牧師告訴大家：我們終將獲勝。我們作的到。
當人類登上月球，柏林圍牆倒下，世界被我們的科學和想像力結合在一起。
今年，這場選舉，她在電腦螢幕上按鈕投票。因為在她經歷的一百零六年的時光中，她見過光明與黑暗的時刻，她知道美國可以改變。 我們作的到。
美國的同胞們，我們已越過漫漫征途。 我們見識過無數的景象。 但眼前依舊有許多任務等著我們完成。 今夜，讓我們自問：如果我們的子女可以活到下一個世紀；如果我女兒可像Ann Nixon Cooper一樣幸運長壽，他們將會看到什麼樣的改變？ 我們將會如何進步？
這將是我們回應下一代期待的機會。 這是屬於我們的時刻。 這是我們的轉捩點，讓人們重回工作崗位，讓孩子們獲得平等的機會，恢復社會的繁榮，推動世界的和平；重建美國的夢想，重新挽回那最基本的信念：雖有億萬國民，但我們是同一民族。我們呼吸，我們期待，我們會遭遇冷嘲熱諷和懷疑，將會有人告訴我們作不到。
而我們將會用美國人民每一個世代的信念來回答：我們作的到。
謝謝各位，天佑諸位，天佑美利堅合眾國。
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you’ve given me. I am grateful to them.
To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
