So much for Beto O'Rourke's star fading because he waited too long to jump into the Democratic Party race for president.

O'Rourke's presidential launch Thursday was a well-crafted spectacle that reaffirmed his star power and signaled that he'll be a force in what could be a long, grinding primary.

Pundits and politicos had questioned whether O'Rourke had waited too long to announce his candidacy, and some criticized him for feeling blue after his heart-wrenching loss to Republican incumbent Ted Cruz.

Few voters, even those in the early contest states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, were bothered by O'Rourke's deliberations. The lunch counters, cafes and town squares aren't going anywhere.

O'Rourke seems to be vindicated for waiting to launch. With the exception of Sen. Kamala Harris of California, most of the liftoffs by presidential hopefuls were low-key or fell flat. In comparison, O'Rourke has dominated the news cycle on national and local media.

That kind of earned media is expected to continue, giving the former El Paso Democrat an edge, particularly since many of his rivals are struggling to be noticed.

Even President Donald Trump had a take, telling reporters that he watched O'Rourke's announcement and was puzzled by the former congressman's constant hand and arm movements.

"Is he crazy, or is that just the way he acts?" Trump asked.

A biting nickname for O'Rourke from Trump may not be far away, as O'Rourke is setting himself up to be the antithesis of the controversial president.

On the down side, O'Rourke also has set himself up for criticism down the trail.

The Vanity Fair cover shot by Annie Leibovitz created a buzz that eludes most candidates. But his comments in the article showcase his ego.

"I'm just born to do this," he told the magazine. "I want to be in it. Man, I was just born to be in it."

As his campaign takes shape, O'Rourke has to put the focus of his White House bid on the American people, not his own ambition.

That's how he approached the Texas Senate race that made him a national star and paved the way for the biggest challenge of his career.