It would make sense that he was being so constantly interrupted by the protesters, given how distracted he seemed to be at times. But was that really the cause of it? I don’t think he managed to summon the ability to get past the prompter — he seemed like he was still using it.
Whatever the case, as a speech, on paper, it looks far better than it was spoken. Unfortunately, no one reads. That said, his run towards the end was impressive. Yes, it was Churchillian. I don’t think he’s given a better speech during his campaign.
But there were problems. He did the example thing, where he provides a story about your average American who’s having trouble feeding her dog (well, maybe not *that*, but close). He stammered on some lines, again, possibly because of protesters. But there’s something eminently strange about a man at a Republican convention highlighting his credentials as being more than just a Republican. And more, there’s something strange about how he attacks — his uneasy smile after he lunges, as though he didn’t really mean that, and hopes you’ll excuse him.
I just hope he paid attention to what got him the largest cheers of support.