英語播客 A Cup of English 5 The Campaign

Last year, for the first time, I got involved in(1) a political campaign. A friend of mine decided to run for a position(2) on the local School Board. She is a busy mother of four, and running for that position would take a lot of time and energy, so a group of us decided to help her. The campaign was like many others; she had to get her name out(3) into the community, talk on the radio, go to public events, and attend lots of meetings. It just so happens that(4) those are the sort of things that she does anyway; she is a natural politician. Where I had to help was handing out information flyers on her, and waving banners on the street corners. For years, I have seen other people do that. They stand in small groups, near busy roads, and wave banners that say, "Vote John Brown for Council," or "Vote Judy Green for Mayor". These people generally face the traffic, show the banners, and wave. I could never imagine myself doing that(5). However, when I found out that my friend Jennifer wanted to run for the School District position, I was willing to do anything to help her. For years she has volunteered in schools, and has helped on the Parent Teacher Association, so she knows about our education system, and where it needs help. The School Board represents all of the schools in our area, about ten of them. They help to decide on spending, renovations, employment, and program(me)s of all sorts. As Jennifer is energetic, studious, determined, and personable, I knew that she would be a perfect addition to(6) the School Board, and would help to make positive changes. So, I found myself on the busy street corners, waving banners, smiling and waving, and saying, "Vote for Jennifer!" My kids even helped me. They got plenty of attention from the passing drivers. And guess what? Even though the person running against(7) Jennifer was well known in the community, and had huge banners, Jennifer won. The campaign was a success. I look forward to hearing about the changes in the School District, now that a new, dynamic person is on the board.
1. 'To get involved' - means to become part of a project, goal, or work. To do something to help.
a. I want to get involved in the local community, to help solve some of its problems.
b. She is very involved with a volunteer reading program.
2. 'To run for a position', the verb 'to run' is used when someone is in a political campaign of any kind.
a. No woman has ever run for President yet in the U.S.
b. My uncle is running for Mayor.
3. 'To get one's name out' means to inform the public about yourself, your name, and what you do or wish to do. It's like 'spreading the word' about yourself.
a. Part of any campaign is getting your name out into the community.
b. The business will increase as its name gets out.
4. 'It just so happens that' is the same as saying, 'it happens that', 'coincidentally', 'it's significant that'. It shows a connection between two things.
a. My father makes shoes; it just so happens that he has huge feet, and finds it difficult to buy shoes.
b. We need a large location for the party; it just so happens that the school gymnasium is available on that day.
5. 'I could never imagine myself (doing something)..' / 'I can't imagine myself (doing something)...'
These phrases are interchangeable, but the first is also used when the action or event that you could not imagine, has taken place.
a. I could never imagine myself singing on stage, but then I did it, and I wasn't too bad! (the event actually took place).
b. I can't imagine myself as a politician. (the event hasn't taken place).
6. We talk about a person being 'a perfect addition to' a company, an organization, and even a family.
a. When Julie marries Peter, she will be the perfect addition to the family.
b. He's the perfect addition to the company; it will really benefit from his skills and experience.