We thought, while we were watching, that Kerry seemed to have some pat answers ready to whatever Bush said, and Kerry is not one who generally has pat, concise answers, being the 'orator' that he is claimed to be (barf). If not 'cheat sheets', then probably some tip-off to the question specifics and practice on how to answer Bush concisely on the criticisms Bush would have of Kerry and his flip-flops. Some of that might be due to prep work, but some of it just seemed too coincidental.
I'm not sure why Kerry would need notes as I believe he had some access to the specific questions prior to the debate. The Rather/CBS business gives one a whole new perspective on what is going on with the MSM and our political process. It's damn frightening.