Why was 2000 so close?

[Deblano]

I think the lesson that we can learn from the 2000 election is that voter fatigue is an extremely powerful force after 8 years of the same party in office. Even, and especially so when the candidate is competent, established and closely linked to the past administration.

This is why I think we shouldn't overestimate Clinton's strength come 2016.

Well that was prophetic 5 years later.