Rep. Grijalva: Protesters ‘not some fringe element’

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Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) told MSNBC’s Chuck Todd Monday that he had been inspired by attending Occupy protests in Tucson over the weekend.

“I went and visited with the occupiers that were there at the park and talked to them and found that it is a cross-section of America,” Grijalva explained. “This is not some fringe element. It’s a cross-section of America concerned about issues with common-sense opinions about things and I think what is going on across this nation is necessary, it’s peaceful and it is a counterpoint to discussion about fairness in this country.”

“Now, one of the criticism they’ve received — even from President Clinton — is ‘What are your demands? What is it that you want?’” Todd noted. “You brought up fairness and it does seem to be the overall umbrella theme here. Do you think the movement needs to get more focused?”

“I think this movement is going to develop as it goes along,” Grijalva replied. “I think it is presumptuous of any of us — and certainly elected officials — to ask them or demand of them to give us a prescription when, quite frankly and in terms of Congress and the House of Representatives where I serve, we have provided no prescriptions to the concerns that they have. So I believe that by drawing attention, drawing the contrasts with what’s going on and insisting on fairness, to me that’s enough right now to pay attention.”

Watch this video from MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown, broadcast Oct. 17, 2011.