With Rick Perry’s handlers confirming the obvious, he not only draws attention to his now official campaign but he steals the thunder of the GOP debate this evening and any attention gained by their participants. Additionally, with his speech on Saturday in South Carolina kicking off his campaign, he steals any thunder gained from the Ames Straw Poll winner.

It’s clear Perry’s organization knows what they’re doing, at least initially. They held out until the Texas legislature concluded so he could avoid any charges of bolting but still have enough time to make inroads in Iowa. Additionally, his entrance is not nearly as anticlimactic as Newt Gingrich’s YouTube video or Jon Huntsman failed attempt to emulate Ronald Reagan. Even before the official announcement he was polling near the top and, with this announcement, should get a decent short-term boost.