我們可以繼續向前,是因為你們,因為你們再一次確立了那經過戰火與蕭條鍛造的美國精神;那引領美國人民由絕境走向希望的精神。還有那份堅定的信心:雖然我們各自有不同的理想,但我們是彼此的家人,作為一個國家、一個群體,一同面對種種起落與興衰。
今日這場選舉,你們再次證明了一點:縱使我們過去舉步為艱、走過長路漫漫,我們仍再次站起來、重整旗鼓;我們心中明白,對美國來講,最好的尚未來臨。
我希望在此感謝所有參與了這場選舉的美國人,無論是那些第一次投票的選民、或是在票站排隊等了太久太久的選民們──說起來,我們需要解決這個問題(觀眾笑)──走在街上或是打電話拉票的志願者們、高舉奧巴馬的旗幟、或是羅姆尼旗幟的選民們,這個社會聽到了你們的聲音,你們的參與影響著美國的未來。
我剛剛跟羅姆尼州長談過,表揚他與賴恩在這場選戰中的奮鬥。我們曾針鋒相對,但這無非是因為我們都深愛這個國家。羅姆尼祖上兩代以及他自己,都選擇為美國獻身,這份傳承是可敬的,值得我們景仰。我很希望在未來幾週能與羅姆尼州長坐下來詳談,商討我們應該在哪些方面合作,一同推動國家的發展。
我要感謝我這四年來的伙伴、我的朋友,美國最樂天向上的鬥士、最好的副總統拜登。
我之所以成為今日的我,是因為20年前願意嫁給我的那位女子。我要公開說一次︰Michelle,我比以前更愛你,我比以前更為妳自豪,妳使整個美國都愛上了你這位第一夫人。Sasha和Malia,我們看著你們成長為堅強、聰慧、美麗的少女,跟你們媽媽好像。我為你們感到驕傲,不過呢,屋企有一隻狗已經好足夠了。
至於世上有選舉以來,最好的競選團體和義工……你們是最好的,史上最好。無論是競選新丁,還是從一開始就站在我這邊的老將們,你們全都是我的家人。從今以後,縱使你們將要奔向不同的未來,與我們共同締造歷史的回憶,將始終伴隨著你,心懷感激的總統將一輩子銘記你們的幫助。感謝你們一直相信,又越過高山又越過谷,一直在扶持我,我永達感激你們所做的一切,你們為我所花的心力。
我明白,政治運動有時看似微不足道、甚至無聊;犬儒的人因此大條道理,將政治貶為自大狂的比賽、既得利益的衝突。但如果你有跟參與集會的民眾交流過,與擠在高中運動場裏的民眾、與離鄉別井、在別的選區努力著的義工仔細談過,你會發現事實並非如此。
一位年輕的競選活動組織者,在不同的校園竭力奔走,是因為他希望所有孩子都有有同等的機會。你會聽到他聲音裏的決心。
一位志願者願意逐家逐戶地敲門,是因為當地的汽車工廠增聘工人,她的哥哥終於找到生計。你會聽到她聲音裏的自豪。
一位軍人的另一半,願意打電話拉票到深夜,是為了讓曾為美國打拼的每一位戰士,戰後回鄉絕不需要為了工作或是住屋發愁。你會聽到她聲音裏對國家深深的愛。
這就是我們參與的理由,這就是政治參與的力量,選舉的意義;絕不微小,偉大而且重要。3億人共享的民主,難免有紛紛擾擾的爭論,複雜、紊亂。我們各自有不同的意見,各自有堅定的信念;尤其當我們身處充滿挑戰的時代、面對影響全國的重大抉擇時,我們會激動起來,我們會爭持不下。
過了今晚,這情況不會有所改變,也不應該被改變。我們爭論,是我們享有自由的體現:不要忘記,在我們暢所欲言的同時,在離我們很遠的國度裏,人們正以生命為代價,爭取這份自由:就重要的事情發聲、像我們一樣投下一票。
我們之間雖有不同,但大部份人對於美國未來的願景是一致的。我們希望下一代成長在一個美好的國度:在這個國度裏,孩子可以上最好的學校、有最好的老師來教導;在這個國度裏,我們始終在科技創新方面領先全球,科研發展會帶來工作、帶來商機;在這個國度裏,債務不再是我們的負擔,人人平等使我們更為強大,全球暖化不再對我們構成威脅。我們希望國家受到世界各國敬重、欣賞,有世上最強大的軍隊保護。
但同時,我們希望這個國家能夠遠離戰火自信地前行,在對自由的承諾、對每一個人尊重的基礎上實現和平。我們相信美國是慷慨的、具同理心而包容的。移民者的子女也可以在這裏上學,仰望一樣的國旗;在芝加哥貧民區的暗巷裏瑟縮的小男孩,可以看到街角以外的世界,充滿希望。北卡羅拿州的藍領之子,可以立志成為醫生、科學家,工程師或企業家,外交官甚至是總統。那就是我們所期許的未來,我們共同的願景,我們想要的世界。我們要向前走。
對於如何成就這樣的未來,我們的意見不一致,甚至會爭辯:這兩個世紀以來一直如是,進步永遠不是一蹴而就,路途總有曲折,充滿跌宕起伏。就算我們認同彼此的希冀與夢想,也不代表所有障礙會就此消失;為了同步向前,尋求共識的過程是艱鉅的,妥協是困難的,但我們首先要走到一起。經濟已逐漸好轉,拖沓十年的戰爭漸漸完結,漫長的競選工程也終於劃下了句號。
無論你的一票是否投給我,我都會聆聽你的聲音、銘記你給我的啓示。因為有你,我有所進步,能成為更好的總統。聽過你們的故事、你們的奮鬥史之後,對於眼前的困難與未來的工作,我更有決心、也更有想法。
今天你們投下一票,不是選擇一種政治取向,而是要求行動。
你們選擇了我們,是為了讓我們改善你們的就業,不是戀棧我們自己的權勢。在未來幾個月,我期望能夠接觸兩黨的領導層,合作應對那些唯有團結、才能解決的問題。削減赤字、改革稅制、改善移民制度、擺脫對他國的能源倚賴……我們有很多任務在身。
但這並不代表你們的任務已經完成。在民主社會中的公民,要做的不只投票。美國的精神不在於等待別人來幫助,而是所有人各自努力,共同奮鬥來達至目標。自我約束雖然困難且充滿挫折,但也是必要的。這是我們開國以來堅守的價值。
這個國家比世上任何一國擁有更多財產,但這並非我們富有的原因;這個國家有史上最雄厚的軍事力量,但這並非我們強大的原因;這個國家的大學與文化,興盛得招人妒忌,但這並非人們蜂擁而來的原因。
美國最獨特之處,是那份團結地球上最多元人口的力量。
我們相信,我們有著共同的命運;只有大家都恪守規範,顧及身邊人與下一代,這個國家才會成功。無數美國人捨命爭取來自由,附帶著義務與權利,包括善心、包括責任、包括忠誠、包括愛。因為有這些價值,所以美國是偉大的。
今晚,我心存希望,因為我看到了這份精神在美國各處展現。
家庭式小生意的老板,寧願少收些薪金,也堅持不辭退自己的鄰居;工人寧願減少自己的工作時間,少賺些錢,也不願看到朋友失去工作。有軍人在戰爭中失去一條腿,還要繼續參軍;海豹部隊勇敢迎向未知的危險,是為了保護身後的戰友。
我看到,在新澤西與紐約的海岸邊,不同黨派、不同職級的政府人員,不再執著於他們之間的差異,齊心合力,協助受難於風災的社區重建起來。
日前,我在俄亥俄聽到一個父親的故事。他有一個年僅8歲、患有白血病的女兒,為此他們幾乎散盡家財;在保險公司快要截斷對她的資助時,醫療改革通過了。我不只與這位父親談過,也見到了他那了不起的女兒。在這位父親分享他的故事時,在場每個為人父母的人,眼中都有淚光,因為他們心裏明白,這個小女孩的遭遇,自己的孩子也可能會遇到。
我知道,全美國的人民都希望那個小女孩可以擁有光明的未來。這就是我們的本性。能夠領導這樣的美國,我引以為傲。
今晚,雖然歷盡艱辛,雖然在政府內飽受挫折,但我比以前任何時候,對將來更有希望,對美國更有希望。我請求你們,令這份希望得以持續下去。這並非自欺欺人的樂觀,並非要無視前路的種種障礙與難關;這不是一廂情願的理想主義,不是要安坐一旁而不落場打拼。
我始終相信希望──這份頑強的力量,始終在我們內心深處支撐著我們。在一切都事與願違的逆境當中,只要我們有勇氣繼續爭取、繼續努力、繼繼奮鬥,前方就會是更好的未來。
美國,在已有的基礎上,我們將繼續改善就業、尋找更多機會,為中產提供更多保障。我深信我們能信守開國元勛們立下的承諾:只要你願意努力,無論你是誰,來自什麼地方,長什麼樣子,愛哪一國;是黑人還是白人、拉美人亞州人還是印第安人、富有抑或貧窮、健全或有殘疾、愛同性或者愛異性……只要你願意嘗試,美國就會給你一個機會。
我深信我們的未來會如此,因為美國人民並不如政治表像所見那麼分化,並不是學者所講那麼犬儒。我們的國家,超越個人抱負的總和,超越紅州和藍州的分野──我們是阿美利堅合眾國,現在如是,永遠如是。
有你的力量、有上帝的眷祐,我們將一起邁步向前,讓世界看見,我們的國家何以能成為最偉大的國。
多謝,美國。願主保祐你。願主保祐我們的聯邦。
原文:
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. (Sustained cheers, applause.)
Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward. (Cheers, applause.)
It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams, we are an American family, and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people. (Cheers, applause.)
Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.
(Cheers, applause.) I want to thank every American who participated in this election. (Cheers, applause.) Whether you voted for the very first time -- (cheers) -- or waited in line for a very long time -- (cheers) -- by the way, we have to fix that. (Cheers, applause.) Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone -- (cheers, applause) -- whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference. (Cheers, applause.)
I just spoke with Governor Romney and I congratulated him and Paul Ryan on a hard-fought campaign. (Cheers, applause.) We may have battled fiercely, but it's only because we love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future. From George to Lenore to their son Mitt, the Romney family has chosen to give back to America through public service. And that is a legacy that we honor and applaud tonight. (Cheers, applause.) In the weeks ahead, I also look forward to sitting down with Governor Romney to talk about where we can work together to move this country forward.
(Cheers, applause.)
I want to thank my friend and partner of the last four years, America's happy warrior, the best vice president anybody could ever hope for, Joe Biden. (Cheers, applause.)
And I wouldn't be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago. (Cheers, applause.) Let me say this publicly. Michelle, I have never loved you more. (Cheers, applause.) I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you too as our nation's first lady. (Cheers, applause.)
Sasha and Malia -- (cheers, applause) -- before our very eyes, you're growing up to become two strong, smart, beautiful young women, just like your mom. (Cheers, applause.) And I am so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now, one dog's probably enough. (Laughter.)
To the best campaign team and volunteers in the history of politics -- (cheers, applause) -- the best -- the best ever -- (cheers, applause) -- some of you were new this time around, and some of you have been at my side since the very beginning.
(Cheers, applause.) But all of you are family. No matter what you do or where you go from here, you will carry the memory of the history we made together. (Cheers, applause.) And you will have the lifelong appreciation of a grateful president. Thank you for believing all the way -- (cheers, applause) -- to every hill, to every valley. (Cheers, applause.) You lifted me up the whole day, and I will always be grateful for everything that you've done and all the incredible work that you've put in. (Cheers, applause.)
I know that political campaigns can sometimes seem small, even silly. And that provides plenty of fodder for the cynics who tell us that politics is nothing more than a contest of egos or the domain of special interests. But if you ever get the chance to talk to folks who turned out at our rallies and crowded along a rope line in a high school gym or -- or saw folks working late at a campaign office in some tiny county far away from home, you'll discover something else.
You'll hear the determination in the voice of a young field organizer who's working his way through college and wants to make sure every child has that same opportunity. (Cheers, applause.) You'll hear the pride in the voice of a volunteer who's going door to door because her brother was finally hired when the local auto plant added another shift. (Cheers, applause.)
You'll hear the deep patriotism in the voice of a military spouse who's working the phones late at night to make sure that no one who fights for this country ever has to fight for a job or a roof over their head when they come home. (Cheers, applause.)
That's why we do this. That's what politics can be. That's why elections matter. It's not small, it's big. It's important. Democracy in a nation of 300 million can be noisy and messy and complicated. We have our own opinions. Each of us has deeply held beliefs. And when we go through tough times, when we make big decisions as a country, it necessarily stirs passions, stirs up controversy. That won't change after tonight. And it shouldn't. These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty, and we can never forget that as we speak, people in distant nations are risking their lives right now just for a chance to argue about the issues that matter -- (cheers, applause) -- the chance to cast their ballots like we did today.
But despite all our differences, most of us share certain hopes for America's future.
We want our kids to grow up in a country where they have access to the best schools and the best teachers -- (cheers, applause) -- a country that lives up to its legacy as the global leader in technology and discovery and innovation -- (scattered cheers, applause) -- with all of the good jobs and new businesses that follow.
We want our children to live in an America that isn't burdened by debt, that isn't weakened up by inequality, that isn't threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet. (Cheers, applause.)
We want to pass on a country that's safe and respected and admired around the world, a nation that is defended by the strongest military on earth and the best troops this -- this world has ever known -- (cheers, applause) -- but also a country that moves with confidence beyond this time of war to shape a peace that is built on the promise of freedom and dignity for every human being.
We believe in a generous America, in a compassionate America, in a tolerant America open to the dreams of an immigrant's daughter who studies in our schools and pledges to our flag -- (cheers, applause) -- to the young boy on the south side of Chicago who sees a life beyond the nearest street corner -- (cheers, applause) -- to the furniture worker's child in North Carolina who wants to become a doctor or a scientist, an engineer or an entrepreneur, a diplomat or even a president.
That's the -- (cheers, applause) -- that's the future we hope for.
(Cheers, applause.) That's the vision we share. That's where we need to go -- forward. (Cheers, applause.) That's where we need to go. (Cheers, applause.)
Now, we will disagree, sometimes fiercely, about how to get there. As it has for more than two centuries, progress will come in fits and starts. It's not always a straight line. It's not always a smooth path. By itself, the recognition that we have common hopes and dreams won't end all the gridlock, resolve all our problems or substitute for the painstaking work of building consensus and making the difficult compromises needed to move this country forward.
But that common bond is where we must begin. Our economy is recovering. A decade of war is ending. (Cheers, applause.) A long campaign is now over. (Cheers, applause.) And whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you. I have learned from you. And you've made me a better president. And with your stories and your struggles, I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do and the future that lies ahead. (Cheers, applause.)
Tonight you voted for action, not politics as usual. (Cheers, applause.) You elected us to focus on your jobs, not ours.
And in the coming weeks and months, I am looking forward to reaching out and working with leaders of both parties to meet the challenges we can only solve together -- reducing our deficit, reforming out tax code, fixing our immigration system, freeing ourselves from foreign oil. We've got more work to do. (Cheers, applause.)
But that doesn't mean your work is done. The role of citizens in our democracy does not end with your vote. America's never been about what can be done for us; it's about what can be done by us together, through the hard and frustrating but necessary work of self- government. (Cheers, applause.) That's the principle we were founded on.
This country has more wealth than any nation, but that's not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military in history, but that's not what makes us strong. Our university, our culture are all the envy of the world, but that's not what keeps the world coming to our shores. What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on Earth, the belief that our destiny is shared -- (cheers, applause) -- that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations, so that the freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for come with responsibilities as well as rights, and among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That's what makes America great. (Cheers, applause.)
I am hopeful tonight because I have seen this spirit at work in America. I've seen it in the family business whose owners would rather cut their own pay than lay off their neighbors and in the workers who would rather cut back their hours than see a friend lose a job. I've seen it in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb and in those SEALs who charged up the stairs into darkness and danger because they knew there was a buddy behind them watching their back. (Cheers, applause.) I've seen it on the shores of New Jersey and New York, where leaders from every party and level of government have swept aside their differences to help a community rebuild from the wreckage of a terrible storm. (Cheers, applause.)
And I saw it just the other day in Mentor, Ohio, where a father told the story of his 8-year-old daughter whose long battle with leukemia nearly cost their family everything had it not been for health care reform passing just a few months before the insurance company was about to stop paying for her care. (Cheers, applause.) I had an opportunity to not just talk to the father but meet this incredible daughter of his. And when he spoke to the crowd, listening to that father's story, every parent in that room had tears in their eyes because we knew that little girl could be our own.
And I know that every American wants her future to be just as bright. That's who we are. That's the country I'm so proud to lead as your president. (Cheers, applause.)
And tonight, despite all the hardship we've been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I've never been more hopeful about our future. (Cheers, applause.) I have never been more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: We got your back, Mr. President!
PRESIDENT OBAMA: I'm not talking about blind optimism, the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead or the road blocks that stand in our path. I'm not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight. I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting. (Cheers, applause.)
America, I believe we can build on the progress we've made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunities and new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founding, the idea that if you're willing to work hard, it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love (ph). It doesn't matter whether you're black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, abled, disabled, gay or straight. (Cheers, applause.) You can make it here in America if you're willing to try.
(Cheers, applause.)
I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We're not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are, and forever will be, the United States of America. (Cheers, applause.)
And together, with your help and God's grace, we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on earth. (Cheers, applause.) Thank you, America. (Cheers, applause.) God bless you. God bless these United States. (Cheers, applause.)