And so on Monday, Obama sent texts and emails to supporters and released a video he did not actually feature in to officially announce he will contest reelection in 2012.
“Then [in 2008], we had an underdog senator and nobody thought he would have a chance,” says one supporter in the new campaign video.
“We're not leaving it up to chance,” says another. “It's an election that we have to win.”
“I don't agree with Obama on everything but I respect him and I trust him,” says another.
Much has changed since a less grey-haired Obama announced his original run for the Presidency in 2007.
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A lot hasn't as well, particularly considering Obama's concern at how politics in Washington is a snake pit serving self interest and lobbyists (yes, that's YOU healthcare reform).
“Politics has become so bitter and partisan, so gummed up by money and influence, that we can't tackle the big problems,” an idealistic Obama said in 2007.
The President's early entry into the 2012 race is in part to give him a head start in raising what is expected to be a $1 billion reelection fund.
No rival Democrat party candidates are expected to challenge for their party's nomination for 2012.
And as night follows day, Republicans predictably critcised Obama's campaign kick off.
“President Obama's re-election campaign is off and running, meaning once again the president is putting politics ahead of the work of the people,” said Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus.
Republican have yet to firm any clear candidate favourites with a list of possible and fantasy names being as long as your imagination (which might also show how fractured the Republicans actually are).
Fred Karger is so far the only Republican to have filed papers confirming candidacy but is widely considered unelectable – he's openly gay.
"I want to be a different kind of Republican,” Karger said.
The longer shortlist includes Mitt Romney, a Mormon and former Governor of Massachusetts who ran in 2008; Mike Huckabee, another failed 2008 runner, former Governor of Arkansas and preacher who hosts a Fox News chat show; Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota; Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker making a political comeback after revelations of a messy personal life; Michele Bachman, a Tea Party favourite and Minnesota congresswoman;
If Haley Barbour, Governor of Mississippi, were successful it would pitch a white leader from a state with a tainted racial history against a young urban President from Chicago, a boomtown for African-Americans.
There's also reality show star Sarah Palin, a half-term governor of Alaska, whose candidacy is unlikely while she makes more noise and money on the fringe.
Oh, and don't rule out Jeb Bush, son of George H. and brother of George W.
Yes – them. Again.
