It might not feel like it, but it is a recent phenomenon that American elections are judged by the size of rallies and crowd-drawing power.
This spectacle, pioneered by Donald Trump, has become synonymous with his brand. However, ironically, by Trump’s own measure, the curtains are closing on this tired, unoriginal, boring circus, a dwindling sideshow losing its once hypnotic power—and I witnessed it firsthand.
As an advisor to senior political figures...