It was Trump’s first political event where the intended focus wasn’t his own election — or re-election. And he spent a surprising amount of time forcefully urging Georgians to vote in “the most important congressional runoff, probably in American history.”

But in the end, the performance didn’t change — Trump mostly promoted himself. He falsely claimed the election was rigged and he won the election, even though states that have certified the election have more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed for Biden to win. He complained about investigations against him. And he stepped up pressure on Republican Gov. Brian Kemp to overturn the results of the election, following their call this morning…

The event was an early indication of what Trump’s post-presidency might look like and the quandary it will pose for the Republican Party. Trump remains the GOP’s dominant figure, with a loyal fan base he can motivate to vote. But hopes that Trump, as ex-president, will use his stature to boost down-ballot candidates is becoming complicated by the fact that Trump is likely to use any platform to boost his own standing — and perhaps his own 2024 presidential run…

Trump has a “two-front problem,” Gingrich said. “His own reelection and then he also has to get these two people elected so we can control the Senate. So he’s got to figure out how to balance both.”