2016 hopefuls react to Nikki Haley's call to move Confederate flag
After South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said Monday that it's "time to move" the Confederate flag away from the South Carolina statehouse, 2016 candidates -- Democratic and Republican -- said they agreed.
.@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
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 22, 2015
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to bring up the Charleston shooting that led to the flag debate at an event on Tuesday. She's participating in a community meeting at a church in Florissant, Missouri, a town next door to Ferguson.
Republican 2016 contenders also said it's time to remove the Confederate flag.
Kudos to @nikkihaley and all the SC leaders standing with her for doing the right thing https://t.co/CUOgnh3plT
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) June 22, 2015
I am glad @nikkihaley is calling for the Confederate flag to come down. I support her decision - SKW
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) June 22, 2015
Removing the flag is an act of healing & unity. @NikkiHaley's leadership honors the victims & the people of SC. http://t.co/NQAfj5PmVV
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) June 22, 2015
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, released a statement applauding Haley for her leadership.
"I appreciate and respect her statement that 'This is South Carolina's statehouse, it is South Carolina's historic moment, and this will be South Carolina's decision,'" he said. "I have no doubt that given how the people of South Carolina have dealt with this tragedy so far, they will continue to inspire the nation with their courage, compassion and unity."
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, said on the Senate floor on Monday that
"I do believe the time is long overdue for the people of South Carolina to remove the Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds in Columbia. That flag is a relic of our nation's stained racial history. It should come down. If any good can come of the terrible tragedy in Charleston, it is that the people of south Carolina now have the opportunity to finally turn a page on our past."