Many Americans Say Sochi Was Poor Choice for Winter Olympics

In a new poll, almost half of Americans surveyed say the decision to hold the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia was a poor one.

The poll, conducted by the Pew Research Center, shows that 44% of Americans say Sochi was a "bad decision" over the 32% who think it was a "good decision."

Among those who say Sochi was not the right choice, 62% cite worries about terrorism or general security concerns.

A smaller percentage -- 4% -- say Russia's treatment of gays and lesbians makes the country a bad choice for the games. Nonetheless, just days before the Olympics are set to get underway, demonstrations are taking place in 19 cities, including St. Petersburg in Russia and New York, London, and Paris to protest the Russian ban on the promotion of "non-traditional" sexuality. The ban has been interpreted by many as an attack on gay rights.