Did it have more to do with convincing government officials and anyone with any type of power whatsoever that he needs to be rid of no matter what?
They don't care about us, they have every method of stealing an election down.
What they really needed to do was convince judges, election officials, governors, mayors, legislators, all Republicans, ANYONE with any power that trump is the enemy.
Maybe, but I think the aim is total compliance and belief they are in control. The standard oligarchic, "Do what I say or I will F*** you up" approach.