PE 5/5 Bill Clinton Speech – Part 1

Now, today – today after seven and a half years of hard effort, we’re in the midst of the longest economic expansion in history: more than 22 million new jobs, the lowest unemployment in 30 years.

* hard effort: difficult work

ex> Building that stone wall required hard effort, but we’re happy with the results.

* in the midst of: within; in the middle of

Now, along the way – along the way in 1995, we turned back the largest cuts in history in Medicare, Medicaid, education and the environment.

* along the way: while something is happening

ex> I’m not an expert on parenting, but I have learned a few things along the way.

* cut: a reduction, especially to a budget or program

ex> After a series of budget cuts, the school had to give up its sports programs.

Today, we have gone from the largest deficits in history to the largest surpluses in history.

* surplus: more than what is needed; and extra amount of something

ex> Scientists have found a way to convert the surplus heat into usable energy.

And – and if, if but only if we stay on course, we can make America debt free for the first time since Andy Jackson was president in 1835.

* stay on course: to continue in the same way or direction

ex> If the boat stays on course it will reach the harbor before the sun goes down.

Note> This phrase is based on the literal meaning of a ship or spacecraft going in the right direction.

* debt free: The word “free” comes after some other nouns to mean that the item is not present. For example, sugar free soda contains no sugar.