Pronunciation scoring isn't supported on this browser — you can still record and listen back.
Christopher,talkusthroughtheelementsofthedeal
Translating…
Turn on Record to capture your voice and get scored
Line 1/155
Summary
A discussion about whether Donald Trump and Marco Rubio can negotiate a business deal with Cuba to ease the long-standing US embargo and improve relations.
Conditional phrases with "if" for policy outcomes — "if you will" and "if anyone can deliver" structure hypothetical reasoning about political deals. Example: "If anyone can deliver that sort of promise of postponing or a long view among Cuban Americans, it's Marco Rubio and Donald Trump."
Use of "could" + infinitive for speculation — Speakers frequently express uncertain outcomes using "could." Example: "you could see how this could work and could work for everyone."
Passive voice for political processes — Events and laws are often described passively to emphasize their impersonal, systemic nature. Example: "ferocious laws passed by hardliners over the decades in Congress" and "he's gotten us this far."
About this video
This video from The Economist features a panel discussion about the possibility of Donald Trump brokering a deal with Cuba. The speakers explore what such an agreement might include—primarily economic concessions in exchange for Cuba's commitment to hold free elections at some point—and whether Trump's dealmaking approach could succeed where decades of ideological confrontation have failed. The conversation touches on specific moments like when Trump reimposed hardline rhetoric after Obama's 2014 embargo loosening, and features a compelling quote from Joe Garcia, a former Democratic congressman, arguing that "no one has come so far so fast" as Trump with Cuban Americans.
This material suits shadowing learners at the B1 level well because the speakers use relatively clear, conversational English at a natural pace, though they cover complex political topics. You'll encounter natural political vocabulary (embargo, regime change, hardliners) and hear the speakers use everyday phrases like "kick that can down the road" and "get out of their own way" alongside more formal analysis. The dialogue includes genuine disagreements and repetition of key points from different angles, which helps with comprehension.
Learners will gain exposure to how native English speakers discuss policy and politics in a thoughtful, non-scripted setting, plus practical expressions for debating trade-offs and uncertainty (e.g., "even a shabby deal," "I'm more optimistic").
Idioms & expressions
kick that can down the road — to postpone or delay dealing with a problem indefinitely. Example: "They can kick that can down the road indefinitely, but any deal that just sort of loosens the screws."
loosen the screws — to reduce pressure or restrictions, to ease constraints. Example: "any deal that just sort of loosens the screws in some way, if you will."
swing state — a US state where voters have no clear party preference and could vote either way in elections. Example: "I'm old enough to remember when Florida was a swing state."
soft on — not firm or tough enough in dealing with something; viewed as weak. Example: "presidents of both parties frightened of being seen as soft on Cuba."
get out of their own way — to stop creating obstacles for oneself; to allow something positive to happen. Example: "The Cubans just got to get out of their own way and find a way to agree."
put my cards on the table — to be honest and transparent about one's position. Example: "I'm gonna put my cards on the table. I think I'm a bit more optimistic."
put a bet on — to express confidence in or support for something; to wager one's hope on an outcome. Example: "if that sweeps away the regime, I'm willing to put a bet on that."
