I think in addition there's a more visceral reason as well. It's the first time in a long time that a decision taken by the populace will adversely affect the "

I think in addition there's a more visceral reason as well. It's the first time in a long time that a decision taken by the populace will adversely affect the "elite" directly. People who have done very well out of EU integration will suddenly find themselves actually having to figure out what to do without it. Most of them are wealthy and will be able to adapt, but for the first time in a long time they haven't been insulated from the consequences of public opinion.