The change is largely cosmetic, a matter of acceptable political rhetoric rather than social reality.

这一变化主要是做做表面文章，不过是受欢迎的政治性华丽词藻而非社会现实。

What is required is immediate action, not rhetoric.

需要的是立即行动，而不是华丽的辞藻。

The harsh rhetoric had so soured officials that the two sides were barely speaking.

唇枪舌战使官员们的关系严重恶化，以至于双方几乎不怎么说话。

the noble institutions of political life, such as political rhetoric, public office, and public service.

政治生活中高尚的惯例，如政治雄辩术、公职和公共服务。

the absence of rhetoric and symbol, which poets and other writers may redress.

华丽辞藻和符号的缺失，诗人和其他作家会加以纠正。