Under the "Historical" option, the candidates, as well as economic and foreign policy conditions, and the status of the incumbent, are fixed.

During an "Ahistorical" session, all of those variables can be determined by the player (for example, the player can choose a 1984 race between an incumbent Republican President Ronald Reagan, versus a Democratic Senator Edward M. Kennedy, in the midst of an unpopular war and an economic boom).

Alternatively, players can select the option of creating a fictional presidential candidate (or a real candidate from outside of the game's timeframe), through the selection of various political, personal, and geographic attributes (somewhat in the manner of creating an RPG player character).

Additionally, at the end of each of the nine, week-long, post-Labor Day game turns, there is a potential debate phase.

The vice presidential candidate can tour foreign countries which if favourable gives an advantage in the elections.