Maybe what's different is that for so long there's been so little change-- employment and wages have been so high that people are in a stupor. Like little kids on Christmas morning whining "is that all?" people have now begun to demand that job creation and wage hikes are no longer enough; now the gov't is supposed to make us somehow feel better too.
I believe that most Americans are looking around and saying: "I have a great house. I have a great car. I love my job. I've got plenty of toys. You know, I'm doing pretty well! But, I watch the News. I know I'm the exception. Most Americans have lost their jobs to outsourcing. I saw it on CBS. The deficit is huge, social security is being pillaged by George Bush. These are tough times and I feel bad for all those Americans who are not as fortunate as I am."
I believe over 50% of Americans feel this way.