5 things Trump needs to do in the final debate

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton meet one final time before Election Day, squaring off Wednesday in Las Vegas in their third debate. Trump, beleaguered by the fallout from the now-infamous Access Hollywood recording and subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct, needs nothing short of a tour de force performance to revive his chances of catching Clinton before Nov. 8.

Here are five things Trump needs to do in Wednesday's debate.

1. Decide whether to be the "issues" Trump or the "take-no-prisoners" Trump

During the campaign, Trump has oscillated between issue-oriented speeches and slam-bang rallies in which he accuses Hillary and Bill Clinton of all kinds of misbehavior. In recent days, he's ramped up charges that critics, including the media, are trying to "rig" the election against him. The more aggressive Trump showed up at the last debate — along with a few of Bill Clinton's past accusers, invited by the Trump campaign — in St. Louis on Oct. 9, generating what was perhaps the nastiest debate in presidential history. Will the showdown in Las Vegas be worse?

Rigged election? A chorus of complaint from Team Trump

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

2. Address women directly

Trump will likely be called upon to defend himself against claims by more than a dozen women who have accused him of unwanted sexual advances. There's also the recording made public earlier this month in which Trump talks about how he can grab, grope and kiss women because he is a celebrity. As a result, the Republican nominee's approval ratings with women — never high to begin with — have dipped even more in recent days. Trump needs to use this debate to improve his standing among female voters, who make up more than half the electorate. That includes female Republicans, who could put traditionally red states in play for Clinton if they defect in significant enough numbers.

Here are 12 women who made allegations against Trump this week

3. Act presidential

This is Trump's last chance to pass the presidential threshold test in front of a television audience of tens of millions. He must prove he has the knowledge and the temperament to be president and commander in chief, attributes voters have expressed doubts about after the first two debates. The New York businessman has never held public office, and his lack of familiarity with the challenges of the job have become apparent. One of the scheduled debate topics is "fitness to be president," and Trump needs to rise to that challenge.

Topics announced for final Clinton-Trump debate

4. It's not just about her

Trump needs to get beyond attacking Clinton (and her husband). He needs to talk about what he would do as president and what kind of vision he would bring to the presidency. Look for Trump to talk more about issues, such as his new proposed political ethics reforms. Another scheduled debate topic should be in Trump's wheelhouse: immigration, which didn't surface during the first two sessions with Clinton.

Third Trump-Clinton debate could provide explosive finale

5. Avoid a big blow-up

Trump has expressed deep anger on the campaign as the allegations against him have mounted. They don't make much difference with his supporters, but angry outbursts would not play well on a nationally televised debate stage. Trump needs to be cool, calm and collected as he debates the Democrat seeking to be the first female president, a rival who has questioned the Republican's very stability.

• QUIZ: Test your memory of general election debates
• INTERACTIVE: Decide the next president's path to the White House
• POLL TRACKER: Check out the latest presidential polling averages