Nine years ago today, I stood on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, to announce my candidacy for President of the United States.

I asked you to join me in taking up the unfinished business of perfecting our union -- to work together to build a better future.

Along the way, Americans like you have done that by playing the most important role in our democracy -- the role of citizen. Youve taken on the painstaking work of progress. Youve helped us find that middle ground where real change is won -- change like rescuing our economy from the brink of another Great Depression, protecting our planet, and helping millions of Americans gain health insurance.

Ill be the first to admit that this journey hasnt always been easy, especially when our politics can seem so small. But Im still hopeful that our politics can reflect the basic decency of the American people.

Thats why Im going back to Springfield today -- because fixing our broken politics cannot wait. And I still believe we can do it together.

I hope youll tune in today at 2:30 p.m. Eastern.

President Barack Obama