Here, what does the sentence's word give the meaning?

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Nithila

#533590 Sat, 28 Jun 08 03:00 AM

"We need them badly - not just my campaign, but the American people need their service and their vision and their wisdom," Mr Obama said.

Here, the word "badly" does not give the meaning like " in a bad manner"..is my thought correct?

so what does that word mean?

Joined on Thu, Apr 19 2007

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"The important thing is not to stop questioning"

Mr Wordy

#533595 Sat, 28 Jun 08 03:22 AM

In this expression, "badly" acts as an intensifier -- it strengthens the word "need" and emphasises just how much they are needed.

In other words, "We need them very much", "We really need them".

Joined on Tue, May 27 2008

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Native British English speaker

CalifJim

#533597 Sat, 28 Jun 08 03:35 AM

It means that our need for them is extreme, dire, desperate.

It has nothing to do with "in a bad manner"; you are correct. Smile

Look! There is the ambassador! Let's go nearer! I want to meet him very badly. (I want [very much / desperately] to meet him.)

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California

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"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

Nithila

#533604 Sat, 28 Jun 08 04:11 AM

Thanks for your explanation ..MR Wordy and CalifJim