President Barack Obama has officially launched his re-election campaign.

In an email sent to 13 million supporters Monday, the president urged individuals and families to mobilize across the nation to protect the change he's brought over the past two years.

"We've always known that lasting change wouldn't come quickly or easily. It never does," the email stated. "But as my administration and folks across the country fight to protect the progress we've made -- and make more -- we also need to begin mobilizing for 2012, long before the time comes for me to begin campaigning in earnest."

The president launches his re-election bid at a time when the U.S. economy remains stubbornly sluggish and the U.S. military is involved in conflicts in nations ranging from Iraq to Afghanistan to Libya.

One of the big questions Obama will face is can he reunite the broad, multiethnic coalition of voters that propelled him to victory in 2008. Some of the Democratic Party’s most liberal supporters – including some African Americans – have complained that the president has not done enough for low-income and working families.

In Monday’s email, the Obama campaign included a 2-minute video spotlighting a rainbow of individuals reminiscent of the president’s first campaign, all talking about the need to mobilize in 2012.

"I don't agree with Obama on everything, but I respect him and I trust him," said Ed from North Carolina.

Except for distant shot from the 2008 race, the president is not featured in the video.

Obama eked out a rare Democratic victory in North Carolina in 2008, and his campaign is no doubt is banking on the 2012 Democratic national convention in Charlotte to solidify those gains.

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