Nikki Haley’s Announcement Triggers More GOP Confederate Flag Opposition

The announcement today from South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley calling for the Confederate flag to be removed from the state capitol triggered a flood of Republicans all coming out and agreeing.

First, and most prominently, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus released a statement supporting Haley and saying, “This flag has become too divisive and too hurtful for too many of our fellow Americans. While some say it represents different things to different people, there is no denying that it also represents serious divisions that must be mended in our society.”

And then, of course, came the statements from Republicans running for president. South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham, after hesitance days ago, said after last week’s “tragic, hate-filled shooting in Charleston,” they should take down the flag from the state capitol, calling it hopeful “step towards healing and recognition.”

Ohio Governor John Kasich––not running, but strongly considering a run––put out a statement saying, “Like Governor Haley, I believe the flag should come down.” And then Scott Walker––close to announcing––tweeted this out:

I am glad @nikkihaley is calling for the Confederate flag to come down. I support her decision – SKW

— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) June 22, 2015

And on top of all that, the top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, put out a statement as well saying it’s “time to move beyond” a flag that “continues to be a painful reminder of racial oppression to many.”

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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