The only "good" possibility is that he was using a hanky, but it's a bit strange that he would unfold it and put it over the papers or between them, I would've crumpled the hanky into the side out of the way, or perhaps put it under the paper where the cup of water was being kept.
I'm sure someone will have a VERY high-res copy somewhere and solve this.
Yeah...FOX News...they were the designated camera feed operators for the debate.
I guess they are poring over high res pic as we speak.
I guess J F'n K will say " Oh yes...I had a signed 180 form ready......and I was going to use this opportunity to come clean on my Vientam record....but Bush was mean to me..../sarcasm