[jeffc]

Did he have an earpiece? (which wouldn’t be “illegal”, but would help explain doing better than his debate performance).

[COBOL2Java]

Did he have an earpiece?

I'm sure he did. He likely had it when introducing Zelynskyy, which he also screwed up. Probably went something like this:

“And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin."

Screaming in Earpiece: "NOT PUTIN! NOT PUTIN! Zelenskyy! Zelenskyy!" [Aide throws down his mike]: "Freakin' moron!"