Even if he just memorized all of this to recite by wrote when a camera is aimed at him, he's smarter than every single registered Republican in America. I don't even feel like I'm exaggerating.
Most political speech is just regurgitating talking points you heard somewhere. From the answers he gives it sounds like he's genuinely internalized a lot of it and actually understands many of the concepts he's talking about.
He definitely has a better recite:understand ratio than the average American voter, both parties.
There's some reciting, sure. But I think you're right. Plus, a smart 12 year old can be pretty damn smart. The next kid over might just be thinking of snacks all day long.