And here's what's happening as the battle for the second term in the US presidential elections begins. 

As Republicans kicked off the primary battle to pick the candidate who will challenge Barack Obama, the incumbent President had a reassuring message for his supporters -- "I am more optimistic than in 2008".

Four years ago, Obama launched his bid for the White House, before going on to win a historic victory, and despite a slide in his popularity over the period, the president said he was more confident heading into his second presidential battle having fulfilled some of his key promises.

"We have done a lot, but we've got a lot more to do, and that's why we need another four years to get it all done," Obama said, when asked how he responds to people who say you haven't done enough.

"In some ways, I'm actually more optimistic now than I was when I first ran, because we've already seen change takeplace," Obama said when asked if in 2012 he still believed in his 2008 war cry of hope and change. Seeking a re-election in November, Obama asked his supporters today to gear up for the big battle ahead.