The poverty rate had plunged from 34% in 1950 to below 20% before LBJ ever declared war. It continued down to 15% just as the welfare programs began to be implemented. The percentage of people living in poverty hasn’t budged from the 15% range since the war began.
http://www.theburningplatform.com/2015/03/22/the-real-reason-the-american-dream-is-unraveling/
http://www.theburningplatform.com/2015/03/22/the-real-reason-the-american-dream-is-unraveling/