Of All The Reasons To Oppose Fred Thompson...

This?

LEXINGTON, South Carolina (CNN) — Eight Confederate flag-waving men protested outside a Fred Thompson campaign stop Wednesday evening, one week after Thompson and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney criticized the flag during the CNN/YouTube debate in Florida.

[...]

Asked about the flag during last week's debate, Thompson said that, "as far as a public place is concerned, I am glad that people have made the decision not to display it as a prominent flag, symbolic of something, at a state capital."

Good luck finding that vocally pro-Confederate flag candidate.

In my opinion, however, it's not a very good debate question in the first place. I guess you could say that the way a candidate answered that question reflects on his or her character. But the question I wish CNN would have selected is: "Do you support my right to free speech enough to let me wave this flag peacefully, even if some or most would find it offensive.?"*

I wish I could ask the protesters which of these candidates they would support most:

Candidate A:
"I don't find the Confederate flag offensive at all. But let's allow democracy to decide."

Candidate B:
"Personally, I hate that damn flag. But this is America so you have the full right to free speech. You can wave it, wrap yourself in it, or cut a hole in it and fuck it, but don't expect me to like it or condone it."

I would hope that those protesters would support Candidate B. But I get the feeling they are only going to be happy with a candidate who would strongly support the display of that flag at state government offices and buildings. Shouldn't they take that up with the state government and not Fred, though?

Update: The position I detailed for "Candidate A" may be appropriate for public places. However, the number of public places should be kept to a minimum.


*If only CNN's panel [censors?] chose questions this straightforward