奥巴马寻求民众支持就业计划

Public opinion polls show that a vast majority of Americans are unhappy about the way Democrats and Republicans in Washington are handling economic issues.

美国国内的民意调查显示，美国人当中绝大多数都对华盛顿民主共和两党在处理经济问题上的方式方法，表示不满。

Mr. Obama’s approval ratings are the lowest of his presidency, and polls show that Republicans have a realistic chance of defeating his re-election bid next year.

奥巴马总统在民众当中的支持率，目前也是他就任以来最低的。一些民意调查显示，共和党人有望在明年的总统大选中，将他击败。

A stagnant economy, a jobless rate stuck around nine percent, and a public perception that Mr. Obama is helpless to solve them are contributing to his political problems.

经济上依然一蹶不振，失业率徘徊在9%，奥巴马总统没有能力将国家带出目前的困境。这些都是奥巴马总统目前面临的问题。

In Richmond, with the fervor of a political campaign, the president demanded action from Congress on his jobs plan.

在维吉尼亚州的理士满，奥巴马总统对群众讲话的时候，似乎充满着竞选的热情。他呼吁国会采取行动，让就业计划得以实施。

“If you want a tax break, pass this bill," he said. "Prove you will fight as hard for tax cuts for workers and middle-class people as you do for oil companies and rich folks. Pass this bill. Let’s get something done.”

奥巴马总统说：“假如你们想要在税收上有所减免的话，那么，就请通过这项法案。拿出证据来，证明你们将以同样的力度，为工薪阶层和中产阶级减免税收，而不只是为那些石油公司和富人努力。通过这项法案，作些实事儿。”

He also urged his supporters to put pressure on their lawmakers to pass the initiative.

与此同时，奥巴马总统呼吁支持他的选民给议员们施加压力，力争让他提出的就业法案得以在国会顺利通过。

The visit to Richmond was the first of what will likely be many presidential trips around the country to promote the jobs legislation.

理士满之行将是奥巴马的第一站，而不是最后一站。在今后的时日里，他将到美国各地“游说”，力争取得各方面的支持，使得他提出的就业法案得以顺利通过。

The second will be next Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, the capital of another swing state.

下一站将是美国中部俄亥俄州的首府哥伦布。俄亥俄州是另一个摇摆不定、但是将在明年的总统大选中起关键作用的州。