Large swath of public unsure what to think about 'Occupy' protests

[struggle4progress]

October 12, 2011 | 3:47 pm

Many Americans haven’t yet decided what to think about the Occupy Wall Street protests that have spread across the country, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Eighty-two percent of Americans have heard of the protest movement, and while 38% view it favorably, 35% are undecided. A minority -- 24% -- views the protests unfavorably ...

In the Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,113 adults, conducted October 6 to 10, Democrats and Republicans were predictably split in their opinions of the movement. While 51% of Democrats viewed the protests favorably, just 22% of Republicans did.

Another poll, by the Pew Research Center, found that relatively few Americans were following news of the protests closely, at least as of last week. Not surprisingly, interest was much higher among younger people than among those over age 65.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/10/occupy-wall-street-public-opinion-poll-reuters-democrats-gop.html

[Atman]

1. Exactly as the GOP-controlled media wants it.

They'll blur the lines, make it seem as if the protests are unfocused, just a bunch of bongo-playing hippies. But they know exactly what is going on, just as we all do. It is in their interest to make the protests sound like just a Haight-Ashbury dope-fest. And they'll pay dearly for it.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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[arcane1]

3. On the contrary, the news has not done a very good job of focusing its attention

Plus, so many Americans don't really follow the news, it's just something they pass through while channel-surfing. The few fragments they catch are pretty much worthless. They aren't exposed to actual news reporting.

[On the Road]

4. That's Actually Pretty Good

I am pleasantly surprised by the positive reception. 38% is a LOT Considering the lack of a clear message and mixed signals.