The debate over the Confederate flag currently flying in front of the South Carolina Statehouse has landed at the feet of many 2016 hopefuls.
It began on Saturday, when former presidential candidate Mitt Romney took to Twitter to call on South Carolina lawmakers “to honor #charleston victims” by removing the flag. President Obama retweeted Romney, adding, “Good point, Mitt.”
Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) June 20, 2015
Good point, Mitt. https://t.co/Ryusfp8Xbh
— President Obama (@POTUS) June 21, 2015
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush posted a statement on Facebook later the same day: “My position on how to address the Confederate flag is clear. In Florida, we acted, moving the flag from the state grounds to a museum.”
Democratic hopeful and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley tweeted Monday morning:
It's time that state govt officials of South Carolina retire the Confederate flag to a museum. http://t.co/cjGnriHZjy pic.twitter.com/wBhMtC02TD
— Martin O'Malley (@GovernorOMalley) June 22, 2015
On Monday, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called on the state’s legislature to remove the flag. Her call-to-action prompted more 2016 candidates to speak up:
.@nikkihaley is right 2 call for removal of a symbol of hate in SC. As I’ve said for years, taking down Confederate flag is long overdue. –H









