Kerry Violating the Rules of Debate?

What did he pull from his pocket?

A bit of controversy in the Blogosphere regarding what precisely Sen. John Kerry produced from his pocket during last Tuesday’s debate:

A top Kerry campaign source explained to the DRUDGE REPORT late Sunday how Bush supporters were once again trying to distract.

‘Kerry did not cheat,’ said the Kerry insider. ‘This is more lies from Republicans, who are hoping for a quick change of subject away from the president’s performance, and the new polls.’

When pressed on the fact that even brandishing a pen from his jacket would have violated debate rules, the Kerry staffer laughed, adding, ‘See you at the inauguration, Drudge’.

Cheat sheet? Most likely. But what I found the most interesting was the exchange of words between President Bush and Senator Kerry on the podium:

Bush: How are you doing?

Kerry: inaudible

Bush: laughs

* both candidates return to their podiums *

Kerry: I won’t ask you again.

Bush: motionless

Odd.