started running rough when I step on the gas

Is the Malfunction Indicator Light illuminated?

Seems the engine is misfiring and you should be looking at the spark plug wires and connections.

No malfunction light on. I checked the connections and they all seem loose. There is a aluminum sleeve around the connection to the spark plug. Does that sleeve need to be pushed in closer to the engine or out closer to the rubber connection.

Closer to connection. The internal clamp should be pushed tight against the spark plug.

should i be able to spin the rubber connection

when the car is idling, it will be running fine and then rough and then fine again. There is no pattern to the roughness. Could it not be getting gas to all the cylinders

A good set of wire would not allow that but most after market wires do. If you are able to turn the rubber boot, pull out each wire from plug and push the wire into it as far as possible. Push the clamp onto the spark plug and make sure you hear a click and is not able to easily pull the wire off. Push the rudder boot back in to make contact with the spark plug. At distributor end make sure the connection is tight. Repeat what you do at spark plug side if necessary.

There are many possibilities but I would start with the basics and ensure the spark plug wires are secure first.