Until the NSA issue actually has an effect on the every day lives of the american population, it's going to be hard to get much support, when there are issues will actually make a difference in people's lives. We, the hackers and geeks, all see the frightening potential for abuse, but as it is now... the NSA does not make one bit of difference in the life of the average american. Taxes, health care, gun control, immigration, minimum wage, etc.. These are issues that will (or people feel will) have an impact in their day to day life.
Furthermore, as a political issue, it's actually a problem that this is not a partisan issue. In the current polarized political climate, what politician wants to be seen working with the enemy? The democrats can't go after the spying as it's their party and president who are currently doing it. The republicans can't go against it as they originally started it and are the tough on terrorism party. When it comes to the NSA, the political machine is attempting to divide by zero.
Furthermore, as a political issue, it's actually a problem that this is not a partisan issue. In the current polarized political climate, what politician wants to be seen working with the enemy? The democrats can't go after the spying as it's their party and president who are currently doing it. The republicans can't go against it as they originally started it and are the tough on terrorism party. When it comes to the NSA, the political machine is attempting to divide by zero.