I just completed my Congress simulation. I successfully played the role of Senator Jon Kyl achieving his goals of an almost full repeal of the estate tax and a full repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax.
Here's what Caroline An of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (3/31/06) had to say about it:
And while the scenes were real, the location was far from the stately confines of the U.S. Capitol. The committee conducted its business in Roberts Hall 104, a small classroom on the Claremont McKenna College campus...
The students take the exercise seriously, and spend hours researching their roles online as well as watching hours of C-SPAN hoping for a glimpse of the person they are going to pose as...
Because of the stressful environment, it also tests students' grace under pressure and ability to deal with conflict, Menefee-Libey said.
"It gives them a real sense of how they do in a political setting and how they tolerate in the face of conflict,'' he said.
Nevertheless, the simulation showed that a battle of egos is not a battle of wits. As the last days rolled on, the atmosphere became tough as people became tired, stressed, and postured with every last ounce of strength. I can see why legislation takes forever to be considered (as the Senate Pro Tempore, I could at least see that!). Politics is rough and really brings out some of the best and worst in people. I do, however, consider this to be a learning experience. Hopefully, wherever I go, I will be pragmatic, but also respectful of dissenting opinion. So that means, I would behave better in real life.