Final answer:
Laurie's objection to The Wave is based on the creepy conformity it inspires and the idea of achieving a strong community at the expense of individuality. Robert's popularity in The Wave is a secondary concern.
Step-by-step explanation:
Laurie's objection to The Wave is primarily based on the creepy conformity it inspires. The Wave movement in the novel encourages students to conform to a strict set of principles and blindly follow the leader, which is seen as a dangerous and oppressive form of conformity.
Laurie also objects to the idea of achieving a strong community through The Wave, as she realizes that it is achieved at the expense of individuality and critical thinking. She values diversity and freedom of thought, which are restricted within The Wave.
While Robert's popularity in The Wave does play a small part in Laurie's objection, it is not the primary reason. Laurie is more concerned about the negative consequences of conformity and the suppression of individuality.