When Nixon's downfall began, an unpopular war was ending, but the US economy was in (relatively) poor shape. The unemployment rate was lower than it has been under Obama -- but there was less "free stuff" for the masses ("bread and circuses" = food stamps and Obamaphones). As was the case in the Roman Empire, I'm afraid that the LIVs may never wake up, even when the barbarians are in the streets sacking the cities.
I also believe the LIVs will not wake up (much).
Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said we’d have a permanent underclass. This class also contains many of the LIVs.
We just have to work as hard as we can to convince the folks who actually vote, and many LIVs (mercifully) do not vote.
P.S. To Rocklobster:
Are you could to deliver 200 today?
Unfortunately I agree.