Pen? Paper? It matters not
Did Kerry bring a pen to the debate with him? Did Bush had notes in front of him? It doesn’t matter:
A 32-page document approved by the campaigns of President Bush and Sen. John Kerry stipulates the rules of the presidential debates, including the places, times and topics. A coin toss will determine who answers first; candidates are not to approach each other except to shake hands at the start; each candidate can use his own makeup artist; and no props, notes, charts, diagrams or other writings can be used during the debates. Candidates may, however, take notes — on the type of paper of their choosing. The agreement also includes how the candidates will be told that the response time is up. Timing lights will flash when there are 30 seconds, 15 seconds and five seconds remaining. An audible cue will then sound, and the moderator will step in.
From
CNN.com emphasis mine.