Protests Spread Nationwide

The Occupy Wall Street protests have inspired similar gatherings in cities across the country. Protesters gathered in Philadelphia, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Tampa, Seattle, and elsewhere. Ten people were arrested in Los Angeles for occupying a Bank of America. Meanwhile, politicians are trying to glom onto the movement. "God bless them for their spontaneity," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. "It's young, it's spontaneous, it's focused and it's going to be effective." Buddy Roemer, former Louisiana governor and long shot Republican presidential candidate, also endorsed the protests. President Obama hedged his support, saying he sympathized with the protesters while defending the importance of the financial sector.