Yes, it’s a game to him. It’s a game to win or lose. I don’t disagree with you. I don’t disagree with you that he is acting for his audience. What is politics today really?
It's ALWAYS been a "show" and the candidates merely actors upon a stage...with a h/t to Shakespeare!
Go back to Ancient Rome and read up on the leading lights of the Republic and afterwards as well.
Then go back to the FFs !
Flags, bands, parades, oratorical speeches, and special guests; even the wavings of "the bloody shirt"; for crying out loud!