the kerry web site has posted a pdf of the actual agreement between the bush-cheney and kerry-edwards campaign concerning the presidential and vice-presidential debates. among the highlights:
-the candidates cannot use charts or make any reference to any members of the audience (para 5(c))
-the candidates can use any kind of pen or pencil they want to take notes (para 5(d)). big scented magic markers appear to be perfectly legal
-the campaigns cannot use any footage of the debates in any commercials (para 5(e))
-the candidates cannot ask each other questions (para 5(f)) because that would be too much like the common understanding of the term "debate."
-candidates are not allowed to "propose pledges" to each other (para 5(k)) again trying to make sure these guys don't actually interact with each other.
-the moderator may reprimand the audience (paras 6(a), 7(a), 8)). in fact, controlling the audience seems to be a running theme in the document, followed closely by the theme of controlling the candidates.
-candidates aren't allowed to move during the debates (para 6(e)). maybe they'll wear depends
-during the town hall-style debate audience members' microphone will be turned off to assure that they don't ask any follow-up questions (para 7(d)) which pretty much guarantees that the candidates can simply avoid any question they don't like
-audience members' questions must be submitted in writing in advance so they can be screened by the moderator (but not the candidates themselves) (para 7(e))
-if an audience member tries to ask a non-preapproved question, he or she will be interrupted by the moderator and his or her microphone will be turned off (para 7(e)). ah, democracy in action.
-a handshake is contractually required (para 9(a)(iii))
-tv cameras are allowed to "tilt or rotate" but otherwise can't move (para 9(iv)). [this really promises to be exciting]
-when a candidate is speaking, the cameras can't cut away to the the other candidate to see his reaction (para 9(v)). i.e. candidates may look at their watches without fear.
-audience members must watch the debate with "silent observation" except to the extent they ask the pre-screened non-follow-up questions during the single "town hall meeting" style debate. (para 9(a)(viii))
-the debates will be BYOMP (bring your own makeup person) (para 9(a)(xiii)) to avoid the danger of a rogue make-up artist sneaking in and turning a candidate into a clown.
-the candidates are not allowed to stand on risers to make them look taller (para 9(b)(i)).
-during the vice presidential debate, the candidates get swivel chairs (para 9(c)(ii))
-the presidential candidates will not be allowed to sit at all during the first and third debate (para 9(b)(i)). while they will be allowed to sit in the second debate, they have to sit on stools (para 9(d)(i))
and those are the exciting bits. this is really going to be some gripping television.
