Barack Obama Talks About Politics and His New Center

May 6, 2026, 15:38
USPolitics

Introduction

Former President Barack Obama spoke in a TV interview. He talked about his party and his new building in Chicago.

Main Body

Obama wants new rules for the government. He says the law must be fair for everyone. Presidents should not use the law to hurt people they do not like. Also, presidents should not own businesses while they work. Obama says the Democratic Party is strong. He thinks the members agree on important things. He likes Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He says Mamdani speaks in a simple way that everyone understands. Obama is building a big center in Chicago. It now costs 850 million dollars. This is more money than he first planned. Some people in Chicago are unhappy. They worry about the park and the cost. Also, Michelle Obama wants him to do less political work.

Conclusion

Barack Obama still helps his party and builds his center, but he has some problems.

Learning

⚡ The 'Must' and 'Should' Power-Up

In this text, Obama uses two special words to talk about rules. These are very important for A2 learners to show how strong an idea is.

1. MUST →\rightarrow 100% Necessary (No choice!)

  • "The law must be fair."
  • Meaning: If it is not fair, it is wrong.

2. SHOULD →\rightarrow A Good Idea (A suggestion/advice)

  • "Presidents should not own businesses."
  • Meaning: It is better if they don't, but it is not a strict law yet.

Quick Look: Simple Words for Big Ideas

Notice how the text describes Mayor Mamdani. He doesn't use 'complex' words; he uses simple words.

To reach A2, do the same:

  • Instead of 'approximately', use →\rightarrow about
  • Instead of 'furthermore', use →\rightarrow also

Vocabulary Learning

talk (v.)
to speak or communicate
Example:She will talk to her friend about the trip.
speak (v.)
to say something
Example:He will speak at the meeting.
say (v.)
to express with words
Example:They say it will rain tomorrow.
want (v.)
to desire something
Example:I want a new book.
rule (n.)
a regulation or law
Example:The new rule helps keep the park clean.
government (n.)
the group that runs a country
Example:The government will announce new taxes.
law (n.)
a rule made by the government
Example:The law protects everyone.
fair (adj.)
just or equal for everyone
Example:The judge gave a fair decision.
everyone (pron.)
all people
Example:Everyone should have a chance.
hurt (v.)
to cause pain or injury
Example:The fall hurt his arm.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:People enjoy the festival.
like (v.)
to enjoy or find pleasing
Example:I like chocolate.
own (v.)
to possess or have
Example:She owns a small shop.
business (n.)
an organization that sells goods or services
Example:He runs a business.
work (n.)
a job or task
Example:He has a big work at the office.
democratic (adj.)
relating to democracy and voting
Example:The democratic system allows voting.
party (n.)
a group with a shared goal or political organization
Example:The party will meet tomorrow.
strong (adj.)
having power or force
Example:The bridge is strong.
member (n.)
a person in a group or organization
Example:She is a member of the club.
agree (v.)
to have the same opinion
Example:They agree on the plan.
important (adj.)
of great significance
Example:It is important to study.
simple (adj.)
easy to understand or do
Example:The recipe is simple.
understand (v.)
to grasp the meaning of something
Example:I understand the instructions.
building (n.)
a structure with a roof and walls
Example:The building is tall.
center (n.)
a place of activity or focus
Example:The center hosts events.
cost (n.)
the amount of money needed
Example:The cost is high.
money (n.)
currency used for buying goods
Example:She saved money.
unhappy (adj.)
not feeling happy
Example:He feels unhappy.
worry (v.)
to feel anxious about something
Example:She worries about exams.
park (n.)
a green area for recreation
Example:Children play in the park.
political (adj.)
relating to politics or government
Example:He has a political career.
help (v.)
to assist or support
Example:She will help him.
build (v.)
to make or construct
Example:They will build a new bridge.
problem (n.)
an issue that needs solving
Example:The problem is solved.