President Barack Obama told supporters at a high-dollar St. Louis fundraiser hosted by the Carnahan family Tuesday night that he needs them to prepare for a grueling re-election fight that won’t be as much fun as 2008.

“2008 was sort of this weird convergence of everything happening in a way that was exciting and hopeful,” Obama said, pacing in front of a fireplace as about 45 people sat in the Carnahans’ dining room, according to a pool report. “This election is going to be much more just grinding it out. We’re going to have to work really hard. I’m a little grayer. We’ve been around the block a few times. And the American people are tired, and they just want things to go ahead and get better.”

Obama said his team must “provide even more effort than we did in 2008,” and if backers come through, “we’re going to win.”

Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.) also attended the event, which included Schlafly’s Baracktoberfest brew at the poolside bar. Donors gave at least $25,000 to be present, according to the Democratic National Committee.