Winners Never Cheat
UPDATE 10/4
The Daily Recycler talked with a Fox News producer today who was able to review multiple camera angles of the debate footage. He told us that he's "99% positive" that Kerry pulled a black pen out of his jacket.
It would appear the mystery has been solved.
(Thanks to Fox News for reviewing the tape)
Yes, it does constitute a violation of the terms of agreement signed by both camps - but we'll encourage our friends not to get worked up over it.
It occurred to us shortly after posting up the video that a more appropriate title might have been, "Or are you just happy to see me?"
UPDATE Mystery solved: It was a pen.
FOR BEST VIEW
UPDATE Much higher resolution video courtesy of Little Green Footballs. (Quicktime required)
John Kerry brought prohibited material into last Thursday's Presidential Debate. From section 5, pages 4-5 of the binding "Memorandum of Understanding" (pdf file) that was negotiated and agreed upon by both political campaigns:
Read the rest at INDC Journal... UPDATE INDC JOURNAL HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN BY DRUDGE TRAFFIC
As indicated by the above 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.
1. A candidate's unilateral use of prepared notes could provide a distinct advantage in the debate, hence their mutual prohibition.
2. While the nature of the object is inconclusive based on the angle 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.
INDC Journal and the Daily Recycler aren't going to hyperventilate and claim that this violation influenced the outcome of the first debate, but it's certainly reasonable to request that the rules are followed by the Kerry Campaign and enforced by the Debate Commission for the remaining two contests.
UPDATE INDC Journal is back up now. Bill has posted an update with a link to a frame by frame view.
UPDATE We've had to pull the comments off this post because they're being spammed, and it's messing up the layout of the page. There is a discussion going on here at Little Green Footballs that you can join if you want to comment. (Much better troll control at LGF)
UPDATE In an effort to generate even more hate mail we've posted up another debate related video here.
The Daily Recycler talked with a Fox News producer today who was able to review multiple camera angles of the debate footage. He told us that he's "99% positive" that Kerry pulled a black pen out of his jacket.
It would appear the mystery has been solved.
(Thanks to Fox News for reviewing the tape)
Yes, it does constitute a violation of the terms of agreement signed by both camps - but we'll encourage our friends not to get worked up over it.
It occurred to us shortly after posting up the video that a more appropriate title might have been, "Or are you just happy to see me?"
UPDATE Mystery solved: It was a pen.
FOR BEST VIEW
Right click on video while it's playing and select
ZOOM > Full Screen
UPDATE Much higher resolution video courtesy of Little Green Footballs. (Quicktime required)
John Kerry brought prohibited material into last Thursday's Presidential Debate. From section 5, pages 4-5 of the binding "Memorandum of Understanding" (pdf file) that was negotiated and agreed upon by both political campaigns:
(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.
Read the rest at INDC Journal... UPDATE INDC JOURNAL HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN BY DRUDGE TRAFFIC
As indicated by the above 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.
1. A candidate's unilateral use of prepared notes could provide a distinct advantage in the debate, hence their mutual prohibition.
2. While the nature of the object is inconclusive based on the angle 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.
INDC Journal and the Daily Recycler aren't going to hyperventilate and claim that this violation influenced the outcome of the first debate, but it's certainly reasonable to request that the rules are followed by the Kerry Campaign and enforced by the Debate Commission for the remaining two contests.
UPDATE INDC Journal is back up now. Bill has posted an update with a link to a frame by frame view.
UPDATE We've had to pull the comments off this post because they're being spammed, and it's messing up the layout of the page. There is a discussion going on here at Little Green Footballs that you can join if you want to comment. (Much better troll control at LGF)
UPDATE In an effort to generate even more hate mail we've posted up another debate related video here.
