Jindal: Occupy protesters 'articulating a genuine frustration from hardworking Americans'

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said that while he doesn't "agree with some of their tactics," he believes that the Occupy Wall Street movement represents the middle class frustrations of Americans, drawing contrast with other Republicans who have been highly critical of the protests.

"I do think they're articulating a genuine frustration from hardworking Americans… that may be worrying about the future for their children," Jindal said Thursday on MSNBC.

Jindal's comments came the morning after Republican pollster Frank Luntz gave a presentation at the Republican Governor's Association warning the GOP about antagonizing the Occupy protesters, saying that if next year's campaign became framed as a battle over the middle class, "Democrats will win."

“I’m so scared by this anti-Wall Street effort," Luntz said, according to the Washington Post.

Jindal said the protesters represented a worry that "if we don't fix this… they're not going to have a chance to achieve the American dream" and defended the Republican party as having "always stood for upward mobility."

Jindal also defended Rick Perry, who he has endorsed for president but who has struggled in the polls after a series of debate gaffes. The Louisiana governor said repeatedly that voters weren't looking for "the best debater, the best speaker" but rather who could lead the country most effectively.

"Bottom line is I think Rick has a great record to run on," Jindal said. "[…] I think the American people are tired of speeches, they're looking for results."

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