The Occupy Wall Street protests started in mid-September in New York City with a hashtag and few dozen demonstrators camped out near the New York Stock Exchange. Since then the movement has spread to hundreds of cities across the United States and countries on every continent.
The rapid spread and ubiquitous media coverage has launched the Occupy protests to the forefront of American politics, garnering reactions from the president and the Republican candidates vying for the White House. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have weighted in all over the board. Critics have labelled demonstrators as un-American, dangerous mobs, while sympathizers stand in solidarity.
Though some political leaders have attempted to use the people's frustrations for their own political gain, protesters by-and-large blame both major parties for the policies and political gridlock they say protects corporate America at the expense of the middle class and poor.
Check out what our political leaders are saying and vote on what you think is the most appropriate response:
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.