What you described I would call "electioneering in a democracy". The actual politics I would define as "acquisition and exercise of power in a society".

That's true, I described things involved in convincing or performing for non-politicians. Private negotiations between politicians are different. But still manipulative, dishonest, and performative.

being a cynical manipulator is likely to make you a more successful politician.

Yes it does: I listed 'manipulation instead of [honest] convincing' as one of the four characteristics of politicians.

That looks awfully similar to a No True Scotsman argument

No, it's merely stressing the narrow meaning of 'politics' I was using. Like I said, let's not argue over definitions.