Back in 2007 and 2008, when I first saw Obama off teleprompter, it was very apparent that he was no mental giant. And that’s only been made more clear since.
And his recent remark that “it’s a drag” preparing for very critical debates doesn’t exactly discourage the idea that he’s lazy.
Obama speaks clearly and coherently when he’s off teleprompter and talking about the things he really believes in... redistribution, reparations, injustice, Islam, apologies for American evils, and so on.
And if you're smart and getting the job done, you shouldn't have to prepare. The necessary information should roll right off the tongue. G.W. had meetings every morning to keep abreast of what was going on. Obama is taking swings with his balls to avoid meetings.