Clinton governed as a conservative partly because the Senate didn't give him much of a choice after the 1994 elections. Remember his plans to nationalise health care?
Yes, but after that he swung far to the right and embraced the congressional GOP agenda, albeit without some of their nuttier ideas.
I'm mildly amazed that he couldn't even break 50 percent in 1996. That should have been a resounding victory on the level of 1956, even with Perot in the race.
I think the reason for him not breaking 50% in 1996 was due to the scandals, plus the fact that due to the GOP controlled congress, he didnt manage to get alot done.
Turnout was a big issue. Everyone knew Clinton was going to win, so nobody turned out to vote.