The following suggested discussion topics feature the parallels between President '96 and its real-world counterpart, the race for the White House. Netizens have made the online candidates extreme in their party positions reflecting dissatisfaction with the practically indistinguishable party positions of the real-world candidates. President '96 players nominated a strong environmentalist as Democratic candidate, and a liberal Democrat who strongly defends social security and affirmative action as a running mate.
Life imitates art.
The game presented fictional incidents before similar events came to pass in the real world. Players advised their candidates to negotiate, escalate, or ignore. Within a fortnight, the real-world militia stand off in Montana was widely reported in national media. The National Opinion Survey gives them an electoral victory. Despite how Dole's tax proposal has been received, the Flat Tax and tax reform is a winner, not a loser.