Obama kicks off re-election campaign on the web

US President Barack Obama launched his 2012 re-election campaign on Monday with a website announcement as well as the release of a video entitled "It Begins With Us", featuring clips of Obama supporters from around the country.

By News Wires (text)

REUTERS - U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday opened his 2012 re-election campaign with a website announcement and e-mails and text messages to supporters.

"This campaign is just kicking off," a short announcement said on www.barackobama.com. "We're opening up offices, unpacking boxes and starting a conversation with supporters like you to help shape our path to victory. 2012 begins now ..."

Obama on government spending

The two-minute, 10-second video on the site, titled "It Begins With Us," features supporters from around the country discussing the Democratic president and the state of the nation. But Obama is not shown or heard.

Political observers expect the Obama campaign to raise an unprecedented $1 billion for the race.

Several Republicans are considering running against Obama , but have not made their candidacies official. Early polls showing Obama leading potential Republican rivals.

Obama on healthcare

Obama was expected to file campaign papers with the Federal Election Commission as early as Monday, which would allow him to start raising campaign funds.

While running for president as a senator from Illinois, Obama raised a record $750 million to win the 2008 election.