John Kerry Violated Debate Rules

Some sharp-eyed people noticed the John Kerry seemed to take something out of his jacket pocket and put it on the desk of his podium before starting the debate. A crib sheet? The issue here is that according to the binding "Memorandum of Understanding" (pdf file) that was negotiated and agreed upon by both political campaigns: bq. (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. Bill at INDC is on top of the story. bq. As indicated by the linked video (fullscreen mode is very compelling), John Kerry clearly removes what look like note cards or papers from his right jacket pocket, and then places them on the podium at the beginning of the debate. bq. 1. A single candidate's use of prepared notes could provide a distinct advantage in the debate, hence their mutual prohibition. bq. 2. While the nature of the object is inconclusive based on the angle and resolution of the video, the rules clearly state that "(n)o ... tangible things may be brought into the debate by either candidate." That includes notes, Mont Blanc pens, magic hats, you name it. Bill also posts many updates with links to other videos shot from different angles. This is a pretty obvious violation. UPDATE: Bill at INDC journal wrote to me reminding me that The Daily Recycler was also very instrumental in this. The effort was a co-operative one. The Recycler has some more here