A monkey?

I really have my doubts about this, but were I inclined to think there was really something to it, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of an earphone. Where was this lump? If it were about waist-level, as if he had something clipped to his belt, then I'd say it might be possible. On several programs, including Austen City Limits, I've seen performers wearing earphones that were flesh-colored and fit neatly into the ear. They were next to undetectable in anything less than a close-up, and I don't recall any close-ups that close in the debates.

But don't make the mistake of underestimating Bush. He had only a couple of points he wanted to make, and he just kept hammering away at them. No matter what Kerry said or what the questions were, he stuck to what he wanted to talk about like chewing gum on a cat.

Don Firth