OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. 奧巴馬：謝謝，謝謝，非常感謝。

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. 兩百多年前，美國人民在這塊曾經的殖民地上贏得了自己的命運，今夜，我們向實現完美聯邦的目標又邁進了一步。

OBAMA: 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.奧巴馬：這一步是因為你們，這一步是因為你們證明了，克服戰爭和蕭條的那種精神仍在，那份把我們國家從絕望的深淵帶向希望之巔的精神，堅信我們每個人都可以追逐自己的夢想。美國同胞血濃于水，作為一個國家和民族，我們共起落，同榮辱。

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.今晚，在這次選舉中，你們，美國人民，提醒了我們盡管路程艱辛、路程漫長，我們仍能振作精神，奮起反擊，我們心中堅信，最好的時代，還在等著美利堅。

OBAMA: I want to thank every American who participated in this election... 奧巴馬：我想感謝每一位親身參與大選的美國人。

... whether you voted for the very first time or waited in line for a very long time.無論這是你的第一次投票或是在隊伍中等待了很久。

By the way, we have to fix that. 順便說一句，這個問題真是亟待解決。

Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone...無論你是步行前往，還是拿起電話

... whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference.無論你舉的牌子上寫的是奧巴馬還是羅姆尼，你都發出了你自己的聲音，你也一樣，創造了不同。

I just spoke with Governor Romney and I congratulated him and Paul Ryan on a hard-fought campaign.我剛剛和羅姆尼州長通了電話，向他和保羅瑞安，就這場艱難的戰役表示了我的祝賀。

We may have battled fiercely, but its 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 the legacy that we honor and applaud tonight.雙方的選戰或許慘烈，但這正是因為我們如此深愛這個國家。如此關心它的未來，從喬治到蘭諾夫婦，再到他們的兒子米特，羅姆尼一家選擇通過獻身公務來回報美國。今晚，我們向這一份寶貴遺產獻上尊敬和掌聲。

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.在未來的幾個星期，我還希望能和羅姆尼州長坐下來討論在哪些方面，我們可以共同努力，推動這個國家向前。

I want to thank my friend and partner of the last four years, Americas happy warrior, the best vice president anybody could ever hope for, Joe Biden.我想謝謝我的朋友，我過去四年的搭檔。美國的快樂戰士，喬拜登能有他做副總統，夫復何求。

OBAMA: And I wouldnt be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago.奧巴馬：另外，如果沒有那位20年前同意嫁給我的女人，我今天也不可能站在這里。

Let me say this publicly: Michelle, I have never loved you more. I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you, too, as our nations first lady.讓我告訴所有人吧，米歇爾，我對你的愛是如此深切，我目睹著我之外的美國人愛上你，我對你作為美國第一夫人感到的驕傲，也是如此地深切。

Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes youre growing up to become two strong, smart beautiful young women, just like your mom. 薩沙和瑪利亞，就在我們的注視下，你們已經成長為兩位堅強、智慧、美麗的年輕女士，就像你們的媽媽一樣。

OBAMA: And Im so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now one dogs probably enough.奧巴馬：我真的為你們驕傲，不過我還是要說，就現在看，一條狗應該已經夠了。

To the best campaign team and volunteers in the history of politics...至政治史上最好的競選團隊和志愿者們

The best. The best ever. Some of you were new this time around, and some of you have been at my side since the very beginning.你們是最好的，最最好的。你們中有些人是新加入的，有些人從一開始就與我們共同進退。

(APPLAUSE) （掌聲）

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 and you will have the life-long appreciation of a grateful president. Thank you for believing all the way, through every hill, through every valley.但你們都是我的家人，無論你是做什么的，以后還要做什么，你們都會帶上這段我們的共同創造的歷史，以及這位感恩的總統對你們一輩子的感激。謝謝你們的一路堅信，陪我翻過每座丘陵，穿越每座山谷。

You lifted me up the whole way and I will always be grateful for everything that youve done and all the incredible work that you put in. 一路走來，多虧你們的輔佐。我會永遠為你們所付出的一切和所有卓越之至的工作而心懷感激。

I know that political campaigns can sometimes seem small, even silly. And that provides plenty of fodder for the cynics that 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 saw folks working late in a campaign office in some tiny county far away from home, youll discover something else.我知道有時候政治競選看起來渺小甚至愚蠢，這為憤世嫉俗的人提供了許多素材，他們告訴我們政治不過是自負驅動的比賽，或是為特殊利益集團服務的猴戲。但如果你曾經同參加過我們的集會的普通人，或是在高中體育館圍線外排隊的人們交談過，或是看到在遠離家鄉的小郡縣競選辦公室工作到很晚的人們，你一定會有新的認識。

OBAMA: Youll hear the determination in the voice of a young field organizer whos working his way through college and wants to make sure every child has that same opportunity.奧巴馬：你會聽到一位半工半讀的年輕人現場活動組織者聲音中的堅定，想要讓每一個孩子都和他有一樣的機會。

(APPLAUSE) （掌聲）

Youll hear the pride in the voice of a volunteer whos going door to door because her brother was finally hired when the local auto plant added another shift.你會聽到一名志愿者聲音中的驕傲，她挨家挨戶地告訴每一個人她的哥哥終于有了工作，因為當地的汽車公司增加了一個輪班。

Youll hear the deep patriotism in the voice of a military spouse whose 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.你會聽到一位軍嫂聲音中深切的愛國主義情懷，她深夜也不放下電話，就是為了要讓每一位保家衛國的戰士不用在回家后，為了一份工作一片屋檐，苦苦求而不得。

(APPLAUSE) （掌聲）

Thats why we do this. Thats what politics can be. Thats why elections matter. Its not small, its big. Its 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.這就是我們做這些的原因。這是政治可能的樣子，這就是為什么選舉是重要的，它并不渺小，它是大事，很重要的大事。有三億人口的國家，民主會顯得喧嘩、混亂、復雜，我們有自己的觀點，每個人都有自己堅定的信仰。當面對困難的時期，當我們的國家需要作重大的決定時，它必然會激發熱情，也會掀起爭議。

That wont change after tonight, and it shouldnt. These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty. 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, the chance to cast their ballots like we did today.這些在今晚之后都不會改變，也不應該被改變。這些爭論是我們自由的印記，我們永遠不能忘記，就在此時此刻，在一些遙遠的國家，人民正在冒著生命的危險，只為了能有討論那些重要話題的機會，為了能有像我們今天這樣投出自己一票的機會。

(APPLAUSE) （掌聲）

But despite all our differences, most of us share certain hopes for Americas future. We want our kids to grow up in a country where they have access to the best schools and the best teachers.盡管我們有不同，我們中的大多數，對美國的未來懷有一樣的希望。我們希望自己的孩子成長在這樣一個國家，他們能去到最好的學校，有最好的老師。

A country that lives up to its legacy as the global leader in technology and discovery and innovation, with all the good jobs and new businesses that follow.它不會辜負前人留下的遺產，繼續成為全球科技、探索、創新的領導者，有好的工作，新的產業隨之而來。

OBAMA: We want our children to live in an America that isnt burdened by debt, that isnt weakened by inequality, that isnt threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet.奧巴馬：我們希望自己孩子成長的美國不會被債務負累，不會因不平等有所削弱，也不會被地球變暖而帶來的危害所威脅。

(APPLAUSE) （掌聲）

We want to pass on a country thats 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.我們想要傳承的，是一個安全、受全球尊敬和愛戴的國家。我們想要傳承的，是一個由世界最強軍事力量保衛，擁有最好的軍隊的國家。

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 immigrants daughter who studies in our schools and pledges to our flag.同時，也是一個自信前行的國家，走出戰爭的陰霾，塑造和平景象，保障每個人的自由與尊嚴，我們相信美國是一個慷慨大度的國家，一個悲天憫人的國家，更是一個海納百川的國家。我們要接納在我國學習并對我們的國旗宣誓滿懷夢想的移民。

To the young boy on the south side of Chicago who sees a life beyond the nearest street corner.也要接納，身處芝加哥南部市井之中卻能志存高遠的男孩。

To the furniture workers child in North Carolina who wants to become a doctor or a scientist, an engineer or an entrepreneur, a diplomat or even a president - thats the future we hope for. Thats the vision we share. Thats where we need to go - forward.還要接納北卡州家具工人的孩子，他們夢想著成為醫生、科學家、工程師、企業家、外交官，甚至是總統那正是我們所期望的未來。是我們共同的愿景，是我們的目標前進。

Thats where we need to go.那是我們的目標。

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. Its not always a straight line. Its not always a smooth path.對于如何實現這一目標我們可能會意見向左，有時分歧很大。兩個多世紀以來，一直如此，我們總會斷斷續續地取得進步。前進的路線總有曲折，不會一直是平坦通途。

By itself, the recognition that we have common hopes and dreams wont end all the gridlock or solve 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. A long campaign is now over.認識到我們擁有共同的希望和夢想，單靠這一點無法終結所有的政治僵局或解決我們所有的問題，即使建立共識，作出推動這個國家向前所必要的艱難妥協，這些艱辛的工作也無法得以替代。但我們必須以這一共同紐帶為起點。我們的經濟正在復蘇，為期十年的戰爭已近尾聲，一場漫長的競選現已結束。

(APPLAUSE) （掌聲）

And whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you, I have learned from you, and youve 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.無論我是否贏得了你的選票，我傾聽了你的呼聲，從你身上得到了教益，你是我成長為更優秀的總統。帶著你們的故事和奮斗史，我回到白宮時，對面臨的任務和未來，會更為堅定、更有激情。

Tonight you voted for action, not politics as usual.今晚，你們投票換來的將會是積極的行動，而不是以往那樣的政治游戲。

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 our tax code. Fixing our immigration system. Freeing ourselves from foreign oil. Weve got more work to do.你們選擇了我們，是讓我們關注你們的就業， 而非我們自己的官位。在接下來的數周、數月中，我期待著與兩黨領袖進行接觸與合作，共同應對我們必須攜手攻克的難關。降低赤字，改革稅法，完善移民體系，擺脫對進口石油的依賴，我們還有更多的工作要完成。

(APPLAUSE) （掌聲）

OBAMA: But that doesnt mean your work is done. The role of citizens in our Democracy does not end with your vote. Americas never been about what can be done for us. Its about what can be done by us together through the hard and frustrating, but necessary work of self-government. Thats the principle we were founded on.奧巴馬：但這并不意味著你們的任務已經結束，公民在我們的民主體系中所扮演的角色，并不止于投票。美利堅的意義并不在于別人能為我們做什么，而是在我們能一起做什么。而這依靠的就是公民自治，這雖然困難而又往往令人灰心，但卻是不可或缺的。

This country has more wealth than any nation, but thats not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military in history, but thats not what makes us strong. Our university, our culture are all the envy of the world, but thats not what keeps the world coming to our shores.這是我們的建國理念，我們國家的財富多于其他任何國家，但我們的富有并不源于此，我們有史上最強的軍事力量，但這并不是我們力量的源頭。我們的大學，我們的文化，為世界所歆羨，可這并非吸引各國人民前來我國的根源。

What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth. The belief that our destiny is shared; that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations. 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. Thats what makes America great.真正讓美國與眾不同的，是將這個地球上最多元化的國家的人民團結到一起的那些紐帶。是我們共命運的信念，是只有當我們肩負某些對彼此以及對后代的責任美國才能走下去的信念，是無數的美國人前赴后繼為之奮斗的自由──它既賦予了我們權利，也給我們帶來了責任；是愛、慈善、義務和愛國。正是這些讓美國變得偉大。

I am hopeful tonight because Ive seen the spirit at work in America. Ive 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. Ive seen it in the soldiers who reenlist 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.今晚，我滿懷希望，因為我已經看到美國精神正在得以發揚。我看到有些家族企業，所有者寧可減少自己的薪酬也不愿讓鄰居丟掉工作；我看到有些工人寧愿縮減自己的工時也不愿看到朋友沒有活干；我看到有些士兵在失去一條腿或胳膊之后又選擇再次入伍；我看到海豹突擊隊員不避危險沖上樓梯、沖入黑暗，因為他們知道有一個兄弟在做他的后盾。