Kerry took a pen out of his jacket. Technically against the rules, although given that the commission on debates refused to sign the rules, the rules technically don't exist. Still doesn't explain why Bush was pissy and confused.

Bush was most likely wearing a kevlar vest, which seems like a reasonable precaution, IMHO. If he was wearing a wire, they could've ginned up something less obvious. And again, if Bush were being fed lines, the lines would've been better.

Pengate: non-story. Humpgate: non-story.

Kerry leading or tied in first two post-debate polls? Well, that's a story you won't be believing until November--and as everyone knows, there is only one poll that matters. We'll know who wins that one in a month.

Hence, I called the post "when paranoids collide". Both stories are idiotic. Note that Oliver Willis gives Humpgate full faith and credit.

Yep. The big poll is a month away. Not worried. I don't think the American people are *stupid* enough to elect John Kerry.

I'm so grateful I don't have Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather shouting in my ear (in an eerie echo of Terry McAuliffe) that my guy won the debate, he's cool, what an incredible bounce he took, it's gonna be sweeeeet, he was never really behind. I can't imagine having to deal with the false confidence, not to mention the cognitive dissonance.

Don't be too quick to proclaim Kerry innocent. I don't think this story's over yet.