Issues for Debate in President '96

The designers of President '96 have highlighted only eight key issues for consideration. Each candidate has taken a stand on these topics, with the alternatives ranging from "strongly favor" to "strongly oppose". These stands are provided directly by the candidates' organizations, so the problem of media bias is bypassed. The chart form in which the stands are presented simplifies the glut of information that usually accompanies campaigns. One might argue that this leads to reductive politics, but the variety of nuances in opinion enables candidates to find their niche within the scope of a particular issue. In addition, links from specific topics lead to statements composed by interested organizations.

For example, from the heading "abortion," one can access the views of Saviors of Unborn Lives (SOUL),
The Congressional Caucus to Reform Abortion Laws, The National Physicians' Association, or The
Women's Association of Reproductive Rights (WARR). Instead of joining such an organization, or randomly
watching a clip of the group's spokesperson on television, one can instantly upload a variety of movements
which have taken stands on an issue. The broadcast model of television and radio, which often necessitates
that users can absorb only what others choose to show them, gives way to a more interactive mode of
garnering information from all points of the spectrum.

The 'Beyond the Game Page' includes links to peripheral political parties, lobbying groups, departments of
government, and the media. Again, whoever designates which organizations' links are included in the space
manages to exclude others who clamor to have their agendas made known to the public. But by giving
participants more control over which information they are given, the President '96 format fosters extended
democracy.