Detention…er…debate rules via Lynn Sweet (h/t Kleinheider):

“An audience member will not be allowed to switch questions. Under the deal, the moderator may not ask followups or make comments. The person who asks the question will not be allowed a follow-up either, and his or her microphone will be turned off after the question is read. A camera shot will only be shown of the person asking — not reacting.

While there will be director’s chairs (with backs and foot rests), McCain and Obama will be allowed to stand — but they can’t roam past their ‘designated area’ to be marked on the stage. McCain and Obama are not supposed to ask each other direct questions.

As in all the debates, the contenders cannot bring in notes, though they can take them once at the lectern. Sarah Palin seemed to be looking at notes several times during her debate with Joe Biden. Each candidate is allowed to “take notes during the debate on the size, color and type of blank paper that each prefers.”

So, no reactions, no follow ups, and no comments. Sounds like it will be brimming with craaaaazy moments, no? I love the two images presented, though: audience members trading questions like disgruntled coworkers trapped in a Secret Santa situation, and Barack Obama taking insightful, brilliant notes in a Moleskine.

Katherine Miller is a junior in the College of Arts & Science. She blogs daily at Right-Wing Vitriol.