I tivo'd the debate and I clearly see him reach into his pocket. So what?
I guess that it was against the rules to bring notes? Is that the case? If so, he cheated...otherwise, so what.
Do you see him pick something up from the podium AFTER the debate?
It was against the rules to bring anything. Pen and paper were waiting for them on the podiums.
IT WAS AGAINST THE RULES TO HAVE ANY NOTES, CHARTS, ETC., ETC.
I guess that it was against the rules to bring notes? Is that the case? If so, he cheated...otherwise, so what.
Per the debate rules, signed off by both Campaigns:
No props, notes, charts, diagrams, or other writings
or other tangible things may be brought into the
debate by any candidate. Neither candidate may
reference or cite any specific individual sitting in a
debate audience at any time during a debate. If a
candidate references or cites any specific
individual(s) in a debate audience, or if a candidate
uses a prop, note, or other writing or other tangible
thing during a debate, the moderator must interrupt
and explain that reference or citation to the specific
individual(s) or the use of the prop, note, or other
writing or thing violates the debate rules agreed to
by that candidate.
http://www.npr.org/documents/2004/2004.debate/debate_memo.pdf
Yes it was against the rules to being anything into the debate
Debate rules.........
c) No props, notes, charts, diagrams, or other writings or other tangible things may be brought into the debate by either candidate.
...
(d) Notwithstanding subparagraph 5(c), the candidates may take notes during the debate on the size, color and type of paper each side prefers. Each candidate must submit to the staff of the Commission prior to the debate all such paper and any pens or pencils with which a candidate may wish to take notes during the debate, and the staff or commission will place such paper, pens and pencils on the podium, table or other structure to be used by the candidate in that debate.
Wasn't there a rule that they weren't allowed to use replays of the debate in ads, but Kerry's already got it up on his website?
Kerry cheated? Well I wish Bush cheated as well or was keen enough to catch it and call Kerry out as a cheater. It is not our job to expose Kerry during the debate - it was Bush's.
He, without a doubt, cheated. He agreed to not bring anything to the podium. He did bring at least one note card. He's been proven a cheat on national TV. Not surprising, because he's always been a cheat. Kerry's banking on your apathy to get him through this one.
The point is the rules were no notes. If Kerry had them, he cheated of course. That is the issue, and I think it is important as it shows the lack of character one expects in John Kerry.