Gingrich Stands Up For South Carolina Flying Confederate Flag Over Capital

Newt Gingrich respects the right of the people of South Carolina to fly the Confederate flag.

At an event in South Carolina yesterday, Newt Gingrich was asked by a town hall participant to offer his views regarding the state’s decision to fly the Confederate flag at the statehouse in Columbia. The woman’s question was met with a smattering of boos from the audience.

“I have a very strong opinion,” Gingrich said, prefacing his weak response. “It’s up to the people of South Carolina.” (He then qualified his answer by assuring that he is opposed to segregation and slavery.)

As Think Progress notes, Mitt Romney took a bolder stance in 2008:

During his 2008 run, Mitt Romney took a far bolder stance than Gingrich, saying “that flag shouldn’t be flown” and “that’s not a flag I recognize.” Romney was attacked by right-wing activists for his stand. It’s unclear how he will deal with the issue this coming year.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.