If he is referring to poll numbers likely he is taking them out of context and extrapolating tepid support for one element to majority support for the entire pr

If he is referring to poll numbers likely he is taking them out of context and extrapolating tepid support for one element to majority support for the entire project. This happens a lot in the media analysis of polls. You can't take what the results of a poll question were and assume that 100% of the respondents in favor even: 1)know what the project is 2)favor it over alternatives 3)have judged the the disadvantages and are prepared for them 4)support it because they believe their party supports it 5)have faith in the political system This isn't about the wording per se. Context matters. To take a recent example: polls shows that Americans favor Obama over congressional republicans on economic issues. However, they still are (generally and marginally)opposed to his handling of economic issues and a strong minority of those who oppose the republicans do so out of a belief that they aren't cutting government enough. In other words, disillusioned republicans don't favor either party but aren't likely to support obama under any circumstances. You can look at the same polls with regard to china and democracy. Chinese both are satisfied with the direction of their country and want more democracy. If you aren't willing to consider context you can choose either poll to support your position.