ok the NYT actually reports that:

“A delicate approach to the candidate is now in the works. Before his advisers can shape Mr. Trump’s performance for the next debate, on Oct. 9 in St. Louis — which, contrary to speculation, he does plan to attend, a top aide said — they need to convince him that he can do better than he did in the first one and that only a disciplined, strategic attack can damage Mrs. Clinton with voters.”

note those are two separate thoughts that a top aide says they have to take a delicate approach while trying to “convince” trump

delicate…convince him…like captain obvious?

you’re trying to make *this* guy the president?