I believe Trump has a game plan for each debate - with a purpose to be accomplished in each one. He held up in the first debate because he had already accomplished his goal for that debate: “Look and act acceptable as president, and establish him as the outsider and Hillary as the insider.”
My guess is the second debate will be to paint Hillary as unfit, and in the third debate to “close the deal.”
We shall see.
I completely agree. He doesn`t view these debates in isolation, but part of a narrative he wants to communicate, with each debate having its own purpose. Hillary gave it her best shot and played her hand. Her game plan next debate will be the same as this debate, only she will probably be more desperate next time around. In.the mean time, Trump had an opportunity to see the best she has to offer.