Kerry should consider breaking Bush's pantywaist "debate" "rules" within 5 minutes of the start of the debate, to annoy Bush but also to give the SCLM a "hook," e.g., like when one goes fishing. Perhaps addressing Bush directly eye-to-eye, or providing a followup answer even when that is "prohibited" (sic):
"Mr. Bush, the future of America is at stake in this election, not some pantywaist rules dreamed up by Karl Rove to protect you and your failed policies from the scrutiny they demand. You are currently the President of the United States. The "buck stops on your desk" for all your failed policies. Given the stakes in this election, I couldn't give a damn about Rove's pantywaist "rules."
It probably would not dawn on the SCLM talking heads, until it was too late, that most voters also don't give a damn about such penny-ante rules, but rather would admire Kerry for speaking up and taking this "risk." Such a move might sway undecided voters, particularly those who may think Kerry lacks "backbone" or "leadership." (Well, that's one of my theories, anyway).
Also from Bernie Ward on San Francisco's KGO radio about 10:30pm on Tuesday, September 28th: After Bush goes through his laundry list of how things are going so good with his administration, Kerry could say: "Mr. Bush, I would vote for you if all your claims were true. Unfortunately, none of your claims are true!"(or something to that effect).
Also from Uncle Bernie; Kerry should also have a pair of rose-colored glasses to toss off to Bush after Chimpy goes through his laundry list of how "Iraq is hunky-dory." But then Bernie supposes that the SCLM would go on and on about about how Kerry tossed the glasses in a "girly man" way...A little bit of "Harry Truman Therapy" will do America a great deal of good, and hopefully flush out Bush and get him "tree'd" like a "varmint" (some people think a "Smirking Chimp" www.smirkingchimp.com (an amusing site, if a bit hardcore anti-Bush, to a fault).
For good measure in Bush's "Truman Therapy" throw in "Mr. Bush, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" at an appropriate spot.