There is a difference now though. Hussein's economy is arguably far worse than Carters, yet Obama's approval rating is in the mid to upper 40's (with an absolute floor of about 42%).
We are not the same America as we were in the 70's. Demographics have changed, identity politics have taken over. The Hispanic voting block is exploding while white people are barely making enough babies to break even. If we reach a day where the Democrats win the Hispanic voting block by even near the same margins as they win blacks, there is almost no way the GOP can win any national election (and we will start reliably losing states like Nevada, NC, Colorado and eventually even places like Texas). There just aren't enough white people moving to the Republican party fast enough to offset the massive growth in Democrat voting minorities.
Dunno what the answer is, but I am guessing whoever our nominee knows this all too well and will look to add someone like Marco Rubio or Susana Martinez to the ticket.
secession