I guess I just see a 1996 race in this scenario more like 1952 --- where the economy is a positive for the party in power but there's such an appetite for turnover that it doesn't matter.
Kemp seemed a bit old by 1996. That said, I think that both parties might have seen vibrant primaries if each side thought that it had a chance at victory.
The OTL primary field for Republicans was not the best. Not sure who would run in an ATL where Republicans felt there was a 50/50 chance of holding the WH.
It's also possible that Gore would have fallen to another moderate Democrat, maybe from outside the South. Not sure who would fit the young and neoliberal model other than he and Clinton.
The OTL primary field was weak for the GOP because they expected to lose. If they think they have a 50-50 (or even 70-30) shot at taking the White House, you'll see better candidates crop up.
I mentioned Jack Kemp already.
Phil Gramm or Lamar Alexander likely gets the nod of GOP leadership if Dole isn't in the race however.
Quayle probably runs here as well.