Time will tell whether former President Donald Trump’s massive rally at Madison Square Garden was the beginning of a successful closing argument or the MAGA movement’s electoral swan song. 

The event was nevertheless consistent with Trump’s now nearly decadelong political career: risky unscripted events that few people running for office would ever attempt, that drive the news cycle for days but not always to his benefit, from a master showman who has formed a deep emotional connection with his supporters.