Kerry had a cheat sheet at debate

[ATFFL]

Well he was writing things down....I was listening to Jerry Doyle, and a guy called in about that very topic.  He said that back in the 60's it was considered an insult to be writing things down during a debate format such as that, because it distracts the audience from the speaker.

You were allowed to have a pen and paper waiting for you at the podium.  that was allowed.

[ATFFL]

The debate rules allowed note taking.  You had to submit the pen and paper to the comission in advance.  It would be waiting for you at the podium.

Taking something out of your pocket at the podium would be a violation of the rules.