Now I'm really excited to be here and before I came I got calls from all sorts of friends on advice whether or not to appear tonight.

真叫人兴奋，我来之前所有朋友都打电话给我，建议我今晚该不该出席。

youdao

Now, I wanted to be here tonight, I'm grateful for the invitation, despite the fact that, as I said, I've met most of you.

WHITEHOUSE: Diplomatic Corps Holiday Reception