You judge for yourself...
"No props, notes, charts, diagrams, or other writings or other tangible things may be brought into the debate by either candidate.... 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..."
I always try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I always try to research the issues/ facts. Because as we know, the media and people will spin things in their favor. So I went and viewed the video in question. After replaying it about 10 times, slow motion and all, I have to say I am shocked. He does appear to take something out of his pocket, he does appear to unfold it and place it on the podium. So what is it? Why does it even matter?
So the candidates were to bring nothing to the podium. That way, God forbid, they would have to rely on their memory and knowledge of the issues at hand. Not like that’s important in a person running for President. So as they are walking to the podiums after shaking hands the camera behind the podium catches Kerry removing something from his suit pocket and placing it on the podium and unfolding it. What is it? Is it notes to use? Facts he needs help remembering? What did he need?
My response is that it does not matter what it was. If it was notes or memos or facts and figures he wanted to use. My response is he could not and did not follow the rules. He cheated! Why is this a big deal after all? Why should we care if he cheated at something as minor as a presidential debate?
I'll tell you why, it has to do with character. That little thing your parents should have taught you about growing up. Cheating shows a serious lack or respect for the rules that says don't do it. Cheating shows a lack of preparation or knowledge needed to function in this instance. A person who cheats in something like a debate, what kind of character does this portray to those who may vote for this man for President? I was always taught that a "cheat" was not a good thing. It was a character flaw. I have expelled students from my college class for doing this very same thing. Cheating is a serious issue when the person doing the cheating is trying to hold the highest office in the land.