Why was the bitter political partisanship in Washington, D. C., in the 1990s so unexpected?

The bitter political partisanship in Washington, D. C., in the 1990's was so unexpected:

Because the President Bill Clinton was not on the right or left side but was moving towards the political center.

Explanation:

Political Center:

In Political terminology, the political center is defined as the moderate stance in which you are not either supporting or opposing something.

In 1990's

The segregation of schools rose as well as the domestic terrorism increased. But Mr. Clinton took a moderate position which is known as "Center" in politics terminology instead of taking a strong and clear stance towards the current situations.