Did Kerry cheat? Yes.
In the 2000 debates, I believe Gore broke the rules in every debate. He went overtime in many of his answers and at times he kept speaking when told his time was up.
This notes business is a minor scandal. Is there anyone out there who does not think that Lehrer gave Kerry a heads up on the questions? The hatred of Bush in the elites is without bound. And Lehrer is a charter member of the elites. Violating the rules of the debate mean nothing to these people as they prosecute their Jihad against the Republican majority in general and G.W. Bush in particular.