Obama rallies supporters for 2012 but acknowledges setbacks

PRESIDENT Barack Obama has begun rallying supporters for his 2012 presidential campaign, recognising that some of the soaring promise of 2008 has been grounded by tough political realities.

At two campaign events in California, the first a gathering of wealthy donors at a private residence and the second at a grand hall packed with mostly young supporters, Obama sought to galvanise the troops.

“I understand how you guys feel,” he said at the second event. “But we knew this wouldn’t be easy.