GOP strategists are hoping Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's cool-headed debate delivery will inspire Donald Trump for his next face-off with Hillary Clinton – though others are more inclined to wishful thinking.

"Pence should be at the top of the ticket," Pennsylvania strategist Charlie Gerow told Politico.

Former Trump campaign aide Michael Caputo told Politico his "greatest hope is that Gov. Pence participates in Mr. Trump’s debate prep" – an idea that got the thumbs-up from Scott Reed, senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Trump could learn to "go in with a set strategy and not chase every question and Hillary Clinton statement down rabbit trails," Reed told Politico.

Added Seth Weathers, who served as Trump's Georgia state director for a short time, added: "I think Trump got to see again that you have to force the Clinton campaign back on the issues during debates. They are going to try to deflect to personal innuendo and accusations to avoid talking real issues."

"This was Gov. Pence’s gift to all Republicans, especially Donald Trump – he's rebooted the story line at a crucial time," Caputo told Politico. "Now we'll see how the campaign unwraps this present."