2016年6月大学英语四级听力真题模拟练习（3）

　　This week, three more Americans joined the ever-growing "Republican-running-for-president" club.

　　A pediatric neurosurgeon, one of the first women tolead a high-tech company and a Baptist preacher-turned governor all announced their campaigns forthe Republican party's nomination for president.

　　They join United States Senators Ted Cruz, RandPaul and Marco Rubio, who have all announced theywant to be the Republican nominee for president in2016.

　　Ben Carson

　　Dr. Ben Carson rose from poverty to be the head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns HopkinsChildren's Center in Baltimore. His mother raised him by herself, in Detroit, Michigan. Now, theretired surgeon is the first African-American to enter the 2016 presidential race. He is a socialconservative with no previous political experience.

　　In his announcement speech, Dr. Carson said he wants to reduce the power of the centralgovernment. He is known for making controversial statements. He has denounced PresidentObama's health care law, also known as "Obamacare." He compared it to slavery. And in arecent interview he said homosexuality is voluntary.

　　Carly Fiorina

　　Also this week, Carly Fiorina became the first Republican woman to enter the 2016 race. Sheonce headed the computer company Hewlett-Packard. She says her knowledge about thebusiness world makes her different than the rest of the candidates. She has been very criticalof the other woman running for president: Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Ms. Fiorinaquestions some of Ms. Clinton's actions while she was U.S. secretary of state.

　　Mike Huckabee

　　Mike Huckabee announced on Tuesday that he is running for president again. Mr. Huckabee isboth a Baptist preacher and a former governor of the state of Arkansas. When he first ran, in2008, he won the Iowa caucus. Mr. Huckabee brings to the race a social conservative viewthat is popular with evangelical Christians: he opposes abortion and gay marriage. Although hewon eight state primaries in 2008, Mr. Huckabee eventually ran out of money. At the time,analysts said he had trouble reaching beyond social conservatives in the Republican party. Theynow say that Mr. Huckabee and the other Republican candidates will talk about national securityand foreign policy issues.

　　Ford O'Connell is a Republican strategist.

　　"I think when all is said and done and we get to the general election in 2016, you're going tohave three issues: economic mobility, jobs and national security. And while they do overlap,the ability for Republicans to distinguish themselves with the Republican primary on nationalsecurity is going to be very, very important."

　　Early public opinion studies show two Republicans who have not officially entered the race havestrong support. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is leading in the early polls. He is the sonand brother of two former U.S. presidents. Behind Mr. Bush in the polls is Wisconsin GovernorScott Walker. He is popular with Republicans for opposing labor unions.