I prefer they answer the question rather than pander to the region. At least with this question the 2 canidates had a definitive answer. I can at least respect that.

Totally agreed, I think this will hurt the two front runners in SC, it was not a smart move by them.

Again, let's be historically accurate, not politically correct. Let's remember our history.. we don't have to like it.. or embrace it.. but if we don't remember it, we're doomed to repeat it…. one way or another.

As a South Carolinian, I say, take that flag down. It and what it represents are holding back a truly great state from reaching its potential.

Romney for abortion, for gays in the military when running for Government why? Those positions are need in Mass. to win….Now as Republican changes positions. This guy is a flip flopper extradorniare

This is question is nothing more than candy for CNN's liberal base. Eating it up, yum…

I think the CNN censorship of Ron Paul Sucked and CNN sucks!

Ron Paul is the only American on the stage!

Why does the media CONSTANTLY push "hand picked front runners" in our faces? Why do they ask cute questions to "their guys", then turn the tables on those that THREATEN them?

As a Civil War Reenactor and Living Historian, I recognize the significance of the Confederate Flag. Like it or not, it is part of our history and heritage, and deserves the same courtesy and respect of any flag that has flown over our nation, in peace or in war. It should be flown over Civil War battlefields and cemetaries, along with the National Ensign, to honor those who fought and died for their country on both sides. It is unfortunate that others who came after the war perverted that symbol for their own uses.

Why did you take issue with the fact that Mr. Thompson spoke a few yards from the SC conf. flag? Why in the world would he want to go down and there and tell the South Carolinians what they should do with the flag? I grew up in SC where the Confederate flag was perceived as a part of southern history. Many people still believe this. I however, have changed my thinking because the wrong people have chosen to make it a symbol of racism. We must now be sensitive to this fact. As a child, I never viewed the flag as racist and never was taught that. Unfortunately today, for our African American brothers, the flag does represent racism. So, this flag should never be flown. But, it is certainly not Mr. Thompson's responsibility to police the South Carolinians.

Way to go again CNN. If you cannot post Thompson's entire response to the flag question please summarize it accurately.

Sounds like Mitt and Fred get their history from Hollywood.

Good for them. The flag should not be shown, it is divisive and represents for many a very ugly chapter in Southern history.

Funny how Mitt Romney lashed out at the confederate flag. It was a good answer and a direct one (rare for him), but one must question if he sincerely cared about the black Americans, why did he not criticize his LDS (Mormon) church's institutionalized racism, which barred blacks from any "real" participation in their church until 1978.

Romney & Thompson hurt themselves in S.C. and probably Florida also. I believe strongly that the South was wrong to secede and wrong to defend slavery, but that does not mean that all Confederates were dishonorable people. I can respect Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson even their cause was both ill-judged and evil. I believe that trying to suppress the Confederate flag tends to perpetuate the tensions from the conflict.

These two candidates just lost the Solid South with their ignorant comments about the Stars and Bars…

Sorry I just do not think it was a good decision to air that question.

It really does nothing constructive as far as learning about candidates specifics positions.

The real question they should've asked the moderator is What does the Confederate battleflag have to do with anything in regard to this debate? Nothing.

Ridicules, so much attention on a battle flag used in the “War Between the States” to defend all state’s rights as granted in the U. S. constitution. Just one more excuse of convenience to repress history.

I thought the civil war was won and decided. Maybe Edwards is right there is Two Americas.

Frankly it is ignorant of the other people who have posted that hanging the confederate flag is a good idea? Are you serious? It is a flag that promotes racisim, provokes violence as well as other hateful thoughts. It is a flag that should not be recognized by the United States. And that is why it is not the flag hung above the White House.

…and I'm sure that both Romney and Thompson have Confederate flags in their garages…. or dungeons… more hypocrites from the Republican side….

What I find most disturbing is what a shamble this whole affair was. I feel like I wasted an entire two-half hours of my life that I will never recover. CNN, with their "oh so righteous" media representation for the people, did a bang-up job of trying to pull the wool over the audiences eyes. Bottom line, It is more than obvious that the agenda was to make the Republican party appear like fools and in disarray, and they succeeded. It frustrates me that they claim this was the people's debate, but after watching the manner in which questions were selected and which candidates were chosen my suspicions are confirmed that mainstream media is subjective, not objective. There was nothing objective about this debate. And this is why mainstream media (Fox, CNN, ABCNews, and CBSNews) will become obsolete for the Generation Y folks because I will use vehicles like YouTube, and RSS feeds to filter what news I want to receive and how I want to receive it. With a forum where no name people can voice opinions and viewpoints that ultimately allows for a true objective viewpoint.
The Republican Party is now further hurt by a debate that delivered no clear winner, but rather shows the stupidity among our candidates.
And, I am sorry, but that debate did not give Ron Paul a fair shake, and that too was blatantly obvious. I am not saying that I support or do not support Ron Paul, but it was obvious that the choice of questions and the way in which they were asked were set to bring out answers, that CNN knew, would make him look crazy. I think we all can agree that Ron Paul is actually, a very intelligent person, and he was probably one of the more intelligent people up on the stage.
Clearly, this was a farce, and a waste of time. I am very concerned about America, and I think this election is a pivotal small step that may have grave consequences that will ultimately determine our existence as a country in the next 20-30 years. It will set in motion the deciding factors that will either lead to our demise or allow us to recognize the true root causes to our problems (socially, economically, and abroad).
Shame on CNN, Anderson Cooper, and the Executive Producers for not making this an objective, equally represented debate to allow viewers to see each candidate’s true intentions. Instead, Neilson ratings went up because sparks flew when two men had a pissing contest on national TV. CNN is a disgrace. I look forward to when the Internet replaces mainstream TV and it is no longer a vehicle for news and media.

Mitt Romney better be glad there is a Confederate flag, because if the South hadnt risen when it did his ancestors in the Mormon faith could of very well of been slaughtered by the US for murdering US citizens settling out west.

why does everyone make this a big deal? Georgia had that flag forever, but then people who weren't even slaves said that it was racist, so they changed it. It's History and if i have to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. then we have to learn about everyhting. Not pick and choose.

This was the most poorest debate ever for 8 men who are clearly out of touch with the whats going in America right here in America and our whole abroad world so out of touch they do not stand for anything but backwards for this country they are totaly wrong on overturing roe vs wade what kind of toon of men are they…if i were a republican id be switching fast to a democrat or independent.
I have finally seen it all i am going to switch to democrat tommorrow.and im voting hillary the only senseable smartest woman ever to take take on these idiot men.she will blow them away in General Election.I just feel these men democrat and republicans cannot and will not do for the American people Hillary is more than capable than these outfits.
I like health care ,cutting that huge defficit,for our granchildren take them on Hillary you have women everywhere in this Country and men too,quit being naive everybody ive seen it all with these debates.The votes the truth's lays in Clintons hands.

The south lost. It's time they got over it and accept the flag of the United States of America as their own.

I have seen golf caddies in Scotland with the Confederate battle flag tatooed on their fore-arms, and I have discussed the reasons for this with them. They associate it with an anti-English attitude and a statement about what they consider the oppression of Scotland by England. It is not just the Cross of St. Andrew, but also includes the stars and red rather than blue colors. Reportedly this flag had been a symbol of independence for people advocating secession in the former captive nations of the USSR.

Romney and Fred would, of course, have no knowledge of these sorts of facts.

Racists use the terms "heritage" and "history" to attempt to excuse their continuing hatred.

Actually, around the south, and even here in the southwest, the confederate flag is usually on a vehicle driven by a dimwit redneck. I hate to see it…it just makes me think the south hasn't come to grips with the fact that the confederacy is dead and buried.

Get real, folks, that is not the stars and bars, the first Confederate States Flag, that is the "Battle Flag." What a bunch of ignorants.

I firmly believe that if the south had more electorial votes, both Romney and Thompson would have very different views on the Confederate Flag issue.

I live in the Southeastern part of Kentucky, I am pro life and pro Confederate Flag. I hate abortion and I fly a Confederate Flag 24/7/365, if you yankees don't like it stay where you are in you're yankee land. I will vote for anyone who is pro life and pro Confederate Flag. Romney said "glad people have made the decision" to keep the Flag out of public places,wake up, the people were forced not to display it in public places. Remember Southerns have rights and vote also.

It would be difficult for who has watched any of the debates and is not a partisan to deny that Rudy is by far the most qualified candidate on either side. He is a moderate and he is proven. These are the facts and the are almost beyond dispute.

"When you go home I want you to take a message to your friends. Tell them from me that it is unworthy of them as women, and especially as Christian women, to cherish feelings of resentment against the North. Tell them that it grieves me inexpressibly to know that such a state of things exists, and that I implore them to do their part to heal our country's wounds." Robert E. Lee (on learning of Southern young peoples bitterness against the North, 1870).

well
thank cnn for being like fox.. you want your candidate from Democrats.. i'm independent and never voted but Democrat . now you want some these main blah blah kiss kiss response.. no names.. I like how you and Fox put RON PAUL as some one that does nothing.. come on I am 33 yrs old but Ron Paul 1st time i think after CNN and Fox i'll switch to Republican and support the true voice of what America should be. Never voted for a republican but for the 1st time i think i will register and pick A TRUE TEXAN and I hope rest of America see this.

I am extremely dissapointed that CNN would choose this question to direct– particularly at two front-runners. This is not a natinal issue. Being from the South this is a state issue and in my opinion CNN chose this question with liberal bias. They hurt a republican front-runners with voters that have a vested interest in this issue and it plays into the sterotypes that liberals think about southern Republicans.

just becuase the confederare flag got hijacked by a few idiot racist groups, it still has meaning to some of us from the south and who had family from the south during that period in americas history. we are not racist, the flag isnt racist, and licoln owned slaves at one time to in history. so if you cant support my herriatige. i cant suppurt you. Herritage not hate.

Wow! For shame, I guess you guys in the MSM have made up your minds. I now believe that Ron Paul supporters are correct. I was an independant, but now I am changing to Repuplican supporter for Ron Paul. He has a very good view of the US Government, and also is the #3 campain $ winner, but you guys only gace him 20 seconds in the debate. CNN was my favorite news program, not anymore. I'm now getting my news from the net. Thank you for showing that these Paultards are correct.
Have a nice day!…and goodbye!

The Confederate flag is only "divisive" because of stupid, ignorant-acting behavior with which it was associated that carried on long after it had ceased to be flown as a flag of sovereignty. Obviously, no one down here has slaves now, and my family never did. But my great-great grandfather did fight in the War Between the States for the South because it was his home. When I see that flag, I don't think about the unacceptable behavior and events of the past (I learned that in history class and from my family); I think about him and his love for his family and home. While that's true for everyone, this flag is not inherently divisive, hateful, or what have you. As others have said, this will likely hurt and if nothing else not help them in the opinion polls around these parts.

What a farce CNN has created.

Historic issues face our Nation, and
they put goofy folk guitar videos, teenagers
eating while they talk, and a puffed up but
clearly out of control Anderson Cooper in
front of us?

What a joke this debate was, from time
balance given the candidates, to the
control of bickering and buddy-buddy
chatting, to the audience.

How about some mature NEWS, CNN?

What a farce of a debate. What a farce.

Wow, they criticized the flag. Whoopee. CNN is a joke. 5000 questions submitted, how the hell is that relevant? Thank you for continuing to prop up and perpetuate a problem that divides people. I long for the day when this country's citizens call BS on you and every other propaganda spewing media outlet. Why not address the fact that we were sold the Iraq war on lies concerning WMD's?

Considering their political views, a swastika would be more appropriate.

I think the confederate flag should be taken down. When I drove by the Stathouse grounds for the first time, I was shocked to see that flag hoisted.
The confederate flag represents nothing that anyone should be proud of. If any flag should be hoisted, it should be our nations flag.

If they were true Americans, they wouldn't have to be asked to not display the Rebel flag. They'd recognize it for what it is, a symbol of treason and burn it.

It was noted that they were both in the presence of the conferderate flag, they both made no mention of it then, so why now! To be PC? Then once in office continue to ignor that diabolicial symbol! Their words are as hollow as their platforms, My question to Mr.Romney would be: why haven't any of his sons aren't serving in this great country military of ours, if he's to be the potential New Chief.? That job would require him to send yours & my children into harms way. Lets hope the mike works as it should. Ret Vet

WOW! I'm proud of not feeling alone on this issue in my party anymore. I've been against the confederate BATTLE flag as long as I can remember. I live in the South and I KNOW that a majority of people who display that flag also use language that is considered racist. My experiences and observations tell me that this flag is a symbol of racism. I'm still shocked that Republicans came out against it. I don't care if they lose votes. The truth is more important than votes.

ALL Americans need to read the real history behind the Civil War, what it was truly about, and why it has NEVER been about racism or slavery. It was about the north stealing (taxing) profits from the southern farmers…same thing that happens today all over the country.
Yes, these contenders have both lost the south now. It also shows how ignorant they are of our history as a country. If they were serious about being a true leader of this country, they should and would know its history FIRST!

The confederate flag is as much a part of our history as the stars and stripes.the stars and bars has been grossly abused as standing about slavery, which is was not. the confederate war was fought over states rights.and all the republicans on stage tonight were just george bush clones.

Talk about "Out of Context"! I hope those who happen by here are the same people that actually heard the question and Governor Romney's answer!
I also hope you were all counting the questions, noting their content, (i.e. appropriate issue oriented question, frivolous, or meant to attack the Candidate asked), to whom they were addressed (i.e. how many Anderson asked each Candidate), the and tone of voice and attitude, i.e. condescending, etc., of the moderator. You will notice that some candidates were primarily asked questions, while others were only thrown leftover crumbs, asked snotty antagonistic questions, or cut-off in their responses. Not only that, but if you believe that out of 5000+ questions submitted, Hillary Clinton's Plant's question just happened to be chosen by Anderson Cooper … I have some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you!

There was more stated - you should add their full quotes.

In response to an earlier poster from Kentucky, I don't understand what the issue of abortion has to do with the Confederate flag.

The deep South was predominantly liberal up until about twenty years ago and conservatives actually had a pro-choice agenda because they believed government should not interfere in the personal decisions of its citizens.

It was not until the well-orchestrated and planned take-over of the Republican Party beginning in the 1970s and culminating in about 2003 by a small evangelical religious faction that the South made that switch and the conservatives adopted a pro-life stance in order to win Southern Democrat votes.

That was all long after the Confederate flag's reputation was established, meaning there is no connection between the single issue abortion voters and the Confederate flag.

How do you like your state's rights now….?

Hawk in Texas said, "the confederate war was fought over states rights"

Exactly! The right to have slaves. In fact a few of the southern states war declaration stated the right to own slaves as the reason for their entering it.

Mississippi declaration, "Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery - the greatest material interest of the world."

Texas delcaration, "She (texas) was received as a commonwealth holding, maintaining and protecting the institution known as negro slavery - the servitude of the African to the white race within her limits - a relation that had existed from the first settlement of her wilderness by the white race, and which her people intended should exist in all future time."

Georgia (second sentence), "For the last ten years we have had numerous and serious causes of complaint against our non-slave-holding confederate States with reference to the subject of African slavery."

South Carolina, "A geographical line has been drawn across the Union, and all the States north of that line have united in the election of a man to the high office of President of the United States, whose opinions and purposes are hostile to slavery."

Please either learn the so called "heritage" or stop being dishonest. OR be honest about your dislike of black people. Not only was it about slavery but the south STARTED IT!

If "heritage not hate" is a valid argument for flying the rebel flag, wouldn't that also be a valid argument for Germans to fly the flag of the third Reich? Please folks, think your arguments through. These sort of selective hypocrisies are dangerous: The arguments given against allowing openly gay American citizens (and human beings) are the same arguments that were used against the integration and desegregation of this country. Learn your history don't warp it and flaunt it like you already do with the Bible.

All the canditaes are similar to Bush in ways but hey, I like Bush

The original Republicans, the party of Lincoln, must all be rolling in thier graves.
Modern Republicanism has evolved into the party of reaction and the party of nostalgia for the bad old days.

Although I agree that it is respectful when you have a strong opinion about something, especially when there is diversity… I still think that wanting to keep people from displaying it is stupid in nature.

I definitely agree that they should be able to hang them in their rooms but I think if a state government really wants to hang it up from the building - what the hell, let them and let people hang it from their homes.

It's like the Germans denying that the Holocaust happened. We can't cover our past and we have to learn from it to progress into the future.

It can be seen as a symbol of racism, at the same time, symbols are subjective anyhow. Just as much as a symbol of racism, it can be seen as a sign of rebellion and states rights.

If people want to use it as a white pride symbol and speak out about white supremacy - then let them be stupid.

I never saw the Stars 'n Bars for what it was or is until I lived in the South.

If I see it around, say, Boise, I wonder what kind of bunker the guy lives in. If I see it in the South, where it's about geography and a sense of place, not racist m.f. ideology, I cut him some slack and w/hold judgement.

Romney and Thompson gave the correct answer, not the PC answer. That flag means one thing, and one thing only, and it isn't the honor of a lost cause. I ought to know because I grew up 30 miles from the SC state capitol building, and the Confederate flag has been a symbol of racism for as long as I can remember. Note: the correct answer from those guys does not mean I would vote for either of them. I won't.

Actually, this flag should represent the rights of states within the USA to create laws. If the civil war never happened, every state would be exactly the same, and a copy of federal laws. There would be no room for states to argue for their rights as self contained governments, responsible for their own people. California and Arizona would not have legal pot, nor Prostitution and Gambling in Nevada. The Confederate flag actually represents diversity. Just my opinion.

To the people saying the Confederate flag was one that "flew over our nation" - the fact is that the Confederate flag has never flown over our nation. It's only flown over the Confederate, not the United, States of America. Although I'd never vote for him, I agree with Mitt on this one.

It's about time either of those two said something right.

I hope this really does hurt them in the end and that Huckabee can take SC & Iowa and then the ticket…cause I support the Dems in 08 and there's no way Huckabee would win in a general election.

"I live in the Southeastern part of Kentucky, I am pro life and pro Confederate Flag I hate abortion and I fly a Confederate Flag 24/7/365, if you yankees don't like it stay where you are in you're yankee land."

Who the hell would want to come and visit a moron living in 1863? Sounds like you hate a lot more than abortion. I'd seek professional help, as Dear Abby used to say.

As the historian said above, the Confederate Flag represents a period of history in our country just as the Nazi flag represents the period in German history. Both flags should be put in glass cases with appropriate explanations of their history in museums and not flown over state buildings.

The Confederate Flag is just one more object or word that has become so politicized in our country to the point where if you happen to go to a gun club where flag is hanging in a obscure tool shed on the property you are labeled a hardcore racist.

Why would anyone have a problem with Thompson's remark regarding that flag? He specifically stated that he believes not everyone who flies it is racist, and that under the right circumstances and as a symbol of the right sentiment, he has no problem with it whatsoever. Whats the issue here?

Ron Paul was BLATANTLY ignored, and the some of the questions picked were completely inappropriate! oooo!!! sports! nice finish CNN!!
the debate made me want to vomit.

Don't talk about my flag. Youse guys have already lost every minority voter and if you keep craping on my flag, you gonna lose da south.

Interesting…. The same crowd that thinks the Confederate Flag should be banned also feels that burning the American Flag is o.k.? Selective freedom of speech…..

I watched the entire Republican debate last night.

In my view, it is absurd to place the confederate flag issue on the front burner in this age of terrorism and mass illegal emigration to our shores.

The terrorists want to murder us, and the Mexico want to export it's poverty stricken to our nation.

Sorry, I missed something; did someone mention a confederate flag?

God bless America.

As an African American and former military officer, I am doubly offended by that flag. The confederacy took up arms against the U.S. and that is treason. That flag is a symbol of treason that was motivated, at least partially, by racism. It has no business being prominately displayed in the United States. And to all of you who believe that the confederate flag is a part of our history and should be displayed, do you believe that Germans should display the Nazi flag because it too is a part of their history?

I think this flag means different thing to different people and I am going to leave it at that. But I did see someone say that they live in S.C. and should take down that flag. I am from S.C. and that is not our state flag. The S.C. state flag is blue with a half moon and a palmento tree on it, not the stars and bars. Every other southern state displays the stars and bars in some form, but not S.C.

Bill Clinton stumbles on stump for wife

BN of Fort Myers, FL, and Steve Grycel are right. CNN and the mainstream media are a joke. For too long the media have tried to drag the electorate down to its level, but the Internet is opening the playing field. Stop trying to destroy our Republic and replace it with the abortion known as Democracy. Majority government and group rights suck. Individual liberty is the ONLY answer.

I don't understand why people think it's acceptable to fly the flag of the people who rebelled against this country, fought against its army, and opposed its democratically elected government. Sure, many of those people were good and noble, but was the confederacy a noble pursuit? If you really think so, you should probably find another country to live in, because the USA isn't for you. Either you want the United States, or you want the divided states that the Confederacy represents, they're mutually exclusive.

And, I'm sorry, I don't buy this "it's a part of our history" stuff. How many places fly the "Don't Tread on Me Flag" these days? It's a part of history, we teach it in our schools, and that's where it should end.

As much as I hate these two candidates, I'd have to agree with them on the Confederate flag.

Educate yourself, Who died in the Civil War, All americans!!, How many Confederates that died owned slaves?, Hardly Any. How much did a slave cost in 1862 and what was average net worth of a confederate soldier. Look it up. The war or the FLAG were not about salvery.

The Confederate flag is an old symbol of the southern Democrats way of life. Lincoln, the first Republican president, freed us from that evil and now we use the US flag as our symbol for the new Republican south..

The Civil War was such a shameful part of our history, and I don't understand why people are still trying to fight it. The funniest part to me is that the people who want to fly a Confederate flag and call it "heritage" are often the same people who would go ballistic if they saw someone flying a Mexican flag. You can't have it both ways.

If America takes the stance that a Confederate Flag is a 'racist' image, then why do we still have tours of slave plantations? Get real folks, it is a part of history that can be learned from and just because a bunch of whiny 'politically correct' say it should not be flown - does not make it right. Nex t thing you know, the PC Police will say we cannot fly the American Flag because it also is 'racist.'

This is a joke! The confederate flag is for people who long for life to be like it was in their "Southern Heritage". It's an idealolgy like that kid said-the idea of wanting America to be racist again. Is this new news to all you yankees,not s**t changed. To all you people that think like this–"Educate yourself, Who died in the Civil War, All americans!!, How many Confederates that died owned slaves?, Hardly Any. How much did a slave cost in 1862 and what was average net worth of a confederate soldier. Look it up. The war or the FLAG were not about salvery." Posted By Jeb Stuart : November 29, 2007 10:45 am

YOU'RE WRONG its what meaning it gets across,not what it was the flag of.

This flag is a symbol of treason against the United States, treason incited by fear of losing the "right" to inslave people. It is a symbol of a failed rebellion with racism at its root. Treason, nothing more, nothing less.

That flag is the flag of traitors every person who hangs that flag is commiting treason by doing so.

While this flag may scare some people, it is an undenyable part of history. If American's died fighting under this flag, then it deserves to be featured in a prominent place at thier memorial.

Funny how you never find very many — if any — black people getting all supportive of the Confederate flag as a symbol of "Southern heritage". Probably because for blacks, "Southern heritage" means an oppressive society based on human slavery.

"If 'heritage not hate' is a valid argument for flying the rebel flag, wouldn't that also be a valid argument for Germans to fly the flag of the third Reich? Please folks, think your arguments through."

That is an ignorant statement and I think you need to think your arguments through. The Third Reich's policy was world domination and purifying the human race. That includes mass genocide of homosexuals, people of religious differences, etc. Don't compare the two because you obviously have no valid argument. It only makes you as foolish as these politicians.

Yes, racism is very much alive and well right here in the United States, right here on stage among Republican candidates running for president. The fact this flag still stands in any state is an atrocity. It represents the confederacy, non-union, which was in favor of slavery, racism, and all these white presidential candidates know that. That flag needs to come down and like Obama said a while back, 'put in a museum'. If not that, it should be burned and the ashes buried.

This question strikes a cultural nerve. The Conferate battle flag has always been to me, having grown up in the south, a regional symbol of pride and heritage. I do not like the way some groups have used it for racist purposes and demagoguery, but this does not have to be a zero sum game. The flag has a place as a historical symbol of the courage and fortitude of the southern patriots who fought under it. Let's try to focus on that and not the idiots who misuse it as an advertisement of their own hatreds and ignorance.

I can't wear a swastika, which is a symbol of my family's faith, Buddhism, because of ignorance of symbolism. Americans are so narrow-mined on symbols.

This is exactly why I have no respect for CNN's coverage of anything political. Zero. None.

I reject the argument that the flag represents "southern heritage" or "pride". The flag represented a segment of America that did not wish to part of the Union, slavery played a prominant role in the conflict. The South lost, and are a part of the US that flag has no business being displayed except in historical context. You will never see a Nazi flag on public display in Germany outside of a museum. The Confederate flag represents those who wished to no longer be American.

"This is question is nothing more than candy for CNN's liberal base"

Are you for real? CNN liberal…that is so laughable. The corporate media is right wing, and if you are to the right of that then you are an extremist.

"The people of our country have decided not to fly that flag."

Really? We have? All of us? I don't remember being asked. If I was, I would have voted to keep it flying as a historic symbol of the Confederacy and the Civil War, a period of US history that we must learn from, not ignore. What's next, deleting that entire period from our history books? Shall we abandon facts in the face of hate? Don't cave-in to self-appointed characters whos' real messages are: "See? I can make you take down your flag, therefore I must be powerful"

the flag is the equivalent of a foreign country's, it is NOT a flag of the USA

Britain lost and Americans don't fly British flags or hang them up in their rooms. Likewise, the Confederates lost so hanging the Confederate flag shouldn't be hung. Why would you want to associate yourselves with a losing effort? We are America, we are winners.

Josh in Atlanta–

I think it's a fair point. Certainly, the degree to which the Third Reich was wrong is greater than the degree to which the Confederacy was wrong, but in either case why would we continue to fly the flag of a discredited national movement that led to destruction and death? There were brave, noble people in the confederate army, but there were probably brave and noble German soldiers in World War II who died for patriotism, not empire or genocide. In either case, the flag is still a symbol of an ideology that's incompatible with modern society.

What does that flag represent? Until 1939, it represented the worst cause for which brave men ever fought. Now, it simply represents an inability to cope with modernity. But I wouldn't expect the heirs of Richard Nixon's "southern strategy" to be able to voice that sad truth.

This question was a set up question to hurt the Republican party. I thought it was handled well by Thompson & Romney addressed it differently but correctly. There are a lot more major problems that need to be addressed than a flag hanging in someone's room. I found the question irrelevant to the issues, and it should not have been a part of the debate.

This guy in this photo is sure no Democrat!!! Southern flag and Texas flag. Bet he has a 10 gallon hat, a 45 Colt, a pick-up truck, and horse dung on his boots. Hey…sounds like Huckleberry and the geriatric karate kid.

As an African American whose family is originally from S. Carolina I can tell you that the confederate battle flag definitely carries serious connotations of racism and oppression with it. Some say its about Southern heritage, well that's fine if you want to fly "your flag" on private property. Since the confederacy was defeated and no longer exists only the American and official state flags should fly on public property. We don't fly the Union Jack on top of the state capitals of New England to honor their British heritage or the flag of Mexico at the capital in Austin to honor TX's Mexican heritage. You lost the war….GET OVER IT!!!

To a certain extent, everyone is CORRECT. I'm an Ohio boy born and raised, and I know the Confederate flag can be used by some to represent their racism, by others to represent their pride in being Southern. Why not make the same argument about all of the confederate states' state flags?Its like the whole noose thing, recently. For some it represents oppression and racism, for others its just one of many symbols associated with Halloween. Bottom line is unless a person clearly states their beliefs, you should not "prejudge" (prejudice) them based on a symbol they choose to associate with. Racism and prejudice are both ugly.

I understand why some in the South don't understand that the rest of us don't see this flag as a positive symbol of southern heritage. It literally represents division, the symbal of a failed attempt to literally divide this nation into two separate nations. It also represents racism, because it was the symbol of a confederacy that sought to create its own nation so it could continue slavery through war. That anyone in the south cannot understand, is simply still fighting that war, that civil war, not the war between the states…

The Confederate flag symbolizes a presidency under Thompson or Romney. If they win, we'll be their slaves, to die as they choose. As for me, I'll keep the flag, and vote Democrat.

The "Stars and Bars" represents an enemy of the United States of America. Maybe we ought to pay tribute to the Nazi flag, Japanese Flag and any other nation that fought against us.

Go ahead and fly the Confederate flag if you'd like–but why not fly the Mexican, British, or French flags as well in states that were once territories of those countires? Isn't that also a part of American history?

CNN has a right to air candidates in any light they want. It's not so much what CNN did as to what these men said that so inflames the Republicans. Forget about CNN and listen to what these men say. I think you flag supporters have finally seen what most "Americans" think about your beloved symbol. Fly it though as that is your right. Just remember, people will not like it and the media will always question the motivations to fly it. Deal with it because that is reality.

Did anyone notice the subtly placed Guy Fawkes mask from V for Vendetta? It's on the lower right side. For those of you who don't know, V for Vendetta is a rather exciting movie about revolution against a corrupt government in a futuristic British dystopia. That mask is a revolutionary symbol among movie fans.

It's high time we discontinue flying a different flag in this country… the flag of "Political Correctness." We have successfully degenerated into a society of collectively whining, misinformed, pseudo-sensitive numbskulls. Everyone goes on about the 2nd Amendment, while there's a reason the 1st Amendment is the FIRST. The Confederate Flag represents racism in the same way that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches do. That's just complete ignorance. I was born and raised in Detroit, but my roots are in Tennessee, and I identify with the Confederate Flag. It should be honored as part of our collective past; not just of the South, but of the entire nation. It is a symbol of independence and free-thinking, and it deserves nearly as much respect as Old Glory, since that is our National Rebel Flag from our days of rebellion from England. Flying the Confederate Flag does not make one racist, and practicing Islam does not make one a Radical Islamic Terrorist. Wake up, America.

First of all there were a lot of men who died for a cause and that was the flag they fought under. My wife and I recently visited SC and the capital and respect each flag that is displayed on its grounds with a silent prayer for each person that lost their life fighting for what they believed in: Right or Wrong.
I am tired of the racial card being played everytime the white american talks about history of this great nation, whats next, ask me to change the color of my skin.

Funny how many of the people who are critical of the Confederate flag calling it treason to fly it probably say it's freedom of speech when illegal aliens march the streets with the Mexican or other flag. When it truly comes down to it, those hanging the Confederate flag are the ones with the freedom of speech as they are actual citizens. I guess I'm just a some white supremacist, though, that doesn't understand anything.

The idea by CNN to have a post debate panel is commendable.However, to give someone like Bill Bennett so much air time was not only short sighted but showed how soon we all forget. This is a man who less than three years called for ethnic genocide on national radio airwaves.
How quickly we all forget and forgive.

Is that a Guy Fawkes mask in the background of that pic?

Is this really news? Is CNN defending this? Honestly! The flag is a symbol of what was our past, now it's a symbol of historical racism. Bringing such questions as this to a presidential debate is just ludicris. How about next time we actually talk about something series.

Why doe's the liberal people of this country want to complain about our history and our heritage. I'm from the south and I'm very proud of the fact. I'm also very proud of other places in this country and the roles they have played in making this country the greatest one on earth. The confederate flag is a reminder of our history and heratage, it should never be used as a symbol of raceism. I think that completely removing it from public view would be like telling part of a story. Do we soon outlaw the word rebel or the color gray? Be proud of our history both good and bad and tell the whole story, future generations will thank us for it.

As a European I don't really understand the issue, nobody in their mental sanity in europe (especially governments) flies the Nazi germany swastika flag, it's not even an issue, the symbols of fascism and nazism in Italy and Germany have been very carefully taken down from public buildings built in that era, there is a now a movement to preserve some of them for historical reasons but surely not for "representative" reasons.
If people in the south of the US feel "represented" by a flag that was issued by a pro-slavery society, well then they are in accordance to those ideas, in europe whoever flies a nazi flag or uses a swastika (as in the US i guess) does it so for support of the ideologies that the flags represent.
I think it's time for the south to put the confederate flag in museums where it belongs.

Werent there ove 150+ different battle flages during the confederate war? Why fly this one? And one has to consider the reemmergance of this flag during the 50's and 60's to resist the growing civil rights movement. Just saying.

The arguments about the Confederate flag only representing a culture, a region, or a mere historical event ring very hollow. The same things could be said about the SWASTIKA, but I hope no one waffles about that the way they did last night about the symbol for a key early primary state. What panderers!?

Which part of "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the UNITED States of America" don't you understand?

Did you see underdogs in the debate. Who didn't see mccain,Guliani and Huckabee as ones? I think this debate isn't what I expected. I think CNN is bias and I don't think is good for a common citizens.

I moved to SC from Pa four years ago, and I am not bothered by anyone, either in PA. or SC who flew the Confederate Flag. Any item can be made into a symbol, with groups vying to make their view the dominant one. As a historian, I know the true reason for the secession of the states, which were the rights of states versus the will of a Federal Government. Slavery was an issue, but a side issue to the main argument. When we demonize our history, especially 150 years after the fact, and denigrate the positive aspects of what those in the South felt was a noble cause, that is a crime of monumental proportion, causing division and animosity to fuel some groups private agenda which is criminal. The Flag is part of our history, North and South, had those who stood on the village green in Lexington had a flag, I am sure that one would have also been displayed on bumper stickers to show they rebel against conformity, informing our Federal Government that Americans ARE guaranteed the right to address political wrongs, and may use arms to achieve those goals as gauranteed by the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. That is what the flag is to me, a symbol that the American people have a right to fight against tyranny, and will if pushed to it.

Flags are pieces of cloth with symbolic meaning attached - nothing more. The symbolic meaning of ANY flag differes from person to person - from geographic location to geographic loacation; based on the personal experiences and knowledge of that person.

To people from many other countries, the Confederate Battle flag contains no meaning whatsoever - it is merely a colored rag. For some people - the Confederate battle flag is a symbol of degradation and slavery; or treason. For others, a point of pride in their ancestors and history.

Personally - I don't have a big preference either way. My family arrived in America long after the Civil War was over; and I have not experienced the intolerance that certain supporters of the Confederate Battle Flag have given to people of other ethnic backgrounds.

I think NOT flying the flag is merely a matter of courtesy. Just about everyone who flies the Confederate battle flag KNOWS the reasons why some people don't like it. I don't go out of my way to threaten and insult neighbors; and to many African Americans - that flag is exactly that. A threat and an insult - a reminder of time, attitudes, and ideas best left in the past.

I have *no* problems with it being seen at museums, memorials. and historical sites. The people who fought under that flag were as brave and courageous as any people who have fought under the American flag. Nor do I take issue with people flying it personally. After all - I don't know what that specific flag symbolizes to any indvidual person. And if you are intentionally being rude and using it to symbolize some of the darker messages - well - it IS a free country. You can say or think as you want…

But a government building is *SUPPOSED* to be there to serve the citizens. Purposefully displaying a symbol that you KNOW is offensive to a portion of your constituents strikes me as exceedingly disrespectful. A government is supposed to serve and protect its people - not threaten them.

For that reason - I feel that removing the Confederate Battle flag from the top of the Dome was a good idea.

The Confederate flag was made for one reason to go to war with the AMERICAN FLAG you can not wave it and be a patriot of AMERICA. The people that made that flag no longer believed in the AMERICAN way of life so they want to go their own way. Take a history class. If they had won does anyone think that the AMERICAN FLAG would be wave anywhere inside what would be it domain. If they had won how many more times would this country have been split? The civil war was a war of good vs. evil and good won. But some people wont to wave their evil proudly.

The civil war was fought because of slavery. The confederate flag was the flag of those who wanted to keep slaves. It is not merely a symbol of the south. It is on par with the Nazi flag and should not be displayed in the USA.

The Confederate flag is a part of the heritage of all native Southerners, and part of the US history, high points as well as low points. For most modern displays, it is a symbol of regional pride.

The rebel flag represents opposition to tyranny, same as the US flag. It represents bravery and valor and freedom. Lincoln declared war on the South for tax reasons as has been clearly documented. The federal government was engaged in unconstitutional economic extortion, as it is now. Sic Semper Tyrannis.

Wow-
I just read through this entire list of comments, and the really shocking part, isn't the back and forth, or the "liberal" this and that. It's more terrifying that a majority of you can't spell, can't write a coherent sentence, and have an undeniable sense of Self-Righteousness about the entire discussion.
More and more I see the markings of our evolution into a facist state every day.

Look at the candidates on both sides-either you believe their telling the truth, which is scary, and they love you for it, or like me, we will vote for the least abhorent, which I think is even scarier.

Sad isn't it?

By the way, the "stars and bars" is nothing but a direct attack on race. I and my redneck family are from Tennessee, and believe me, no one in the south flies that flag without knowing exactly what statement they are making-NO-ONE.

PEOPLE NEED TO RE-READ THEIR HISTORY BOOKS. WHERE DOES IT SAY THE CONFEDERATE FLAG WAS A SYMBOL OF SLAVERY? THE CONFEDERATE FLAG WAS THE FLAG OF THE SOUTH. FLOWN BY ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO WHERE PROUD TO BE FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES. IT WAS A FLAG OF PRIDE … NOT RACISM. EVEN BLACKS FLEW THE FLAG, BECAUSE THEY ALSO WERE PROUD TO BE FROM THE SOUTH. I CAN'T BELIEVE ALL THE IGNORANCE IN THIS COUNTRY. PEOPLE ARE TO BLAME FOR SLAVERY AND RACISM.
MYSELF, I'M STILL PROUD TO BE FROM THE SOUTH SO MY FLAG WILL ALWAYS FLY … EVEN IF IT'S JUST IN MY OWN HOME.

I wonder how biased an opinion the "Pro Stars and Bars" crowd would have if the German government decided to raise the Nazi flag in any of its major cities, and put it in a place of honor near buildings representing their country's ideals.

Even Hitler was a pretty decent military strategist. Should we honor the fact that his government was formed and then extricated for what it truly was?

What are you holding onto?

I grew up being taught that the Confederate Flag represented a rebellious faction that was primarily in the South. Southern Heritage is a part of American Heritage and should be honored under our nation's flag. I respect the soldiers who fought on both sides of the Civil War, but to me, the Confederate Flag represents a way of thinking that did not and does not work for a free people. God bless America.

I have no respect for anyone who panders to certain segments of the population by criticizing someone else's heritage. The Confederate flag represents many things to me and racism is not one of them. It represents my ancestors and the wonderful area of the country in which I was born and raised. The flag issue should have nothing whatsoever to do with a presidential debate; the question should never have been asked. I am, quite frankly, disgusted with all the political correctness and victimhood nonsense we're seeing in this country. Politicians, especially, need to stop trying to micromanage every minute of our lives and get on to more important issues. The government needs spend less time treating us like two year olds and more time resolving issues that actually have some effect on our way of life.

Who cares. Why do we keep beating a dead horse? The South lost. End of story. Talk about real issues: How will our candidates plan to protect our borders and the American people from terrorists? CNN is becoming more like a tabloid than a real news station.

If the point of the confederate flag is to acknowledge our history, why don't we fly the Union Jack next to our state capitols?

I think that it's sad that of all of the issues that face our country today, GOP candidates for the 2008 term are arguing over the relevance of a symbol of our not so recent history. We've got war, national debt, poverty, immigration, global warming, and a multitude of other problems that are plaguing our country every single day. Southern heritage will be a part of our history with our without the Confederate "rebel" flag. It lives in the people. Celebrating our history is a far cry from remembering where we came from. I feel however that people will do both with or without the flag to remind them.

So get back to the issues.

the confederate flag is more/less the nazi flag. however, when a nazi flag flies high people go to jail, when the confederate flag flies high, you see how many hateful ignorant people are still reproducing

being a part of history doesnt make anything acceptable

Did the question hurt the candidates? Not in my opinion. I probably won't be voting Republican, but this question didn't hurt their chances. In fact, Thompson's and Romney's answers to the Confederate flag question at least gave me a shred of respect for them, in that they could actually say SOMETHING that might irritate their southern white religious base.

As for the flag issue itself: we all need a sobering reminder. More Americans were killed in the American Civil War than all other wars in which the United States has engaged, before and since, COMBINED. The idea of the confederacy cost more American lives than did Nazi Germany, by far! The defeat of the Confederacy meant the death of the national disgrace of slavery. The Confederate flag and what it represents does not deserve a shred of honor, and is unworthy flying over any state capitol. I don't honor all Americans who died in the Civil War. I honor those who chose to fight for the union and the end to the atrocities of slavery that every southern state defended.

I've seen that confederate flag hanging on enough dormitory rooms in the two universities I have attended, and know full well the racist attitudes that those who hang it hold. Enough of this heritage nonsense!

Dave from Columbia SC,
You said that the civil war gave rise to states rights.
If anything, the civil war cemeted the supremacy of federal law. Before the war, many people believed in nullification, the idea that if enough states disagreed with a federal law, they could nullify it.
Also, the civil war gave rise to the 14th amendment. Before this amendment, the United States constitution didn't apply to state governments, only to the federal government.

Well people, would you suggest, based on the maintaining of history, that the nazi flag hang in certain historical nazi strong holds in Germany? After all, not all german soldiers were racist, perhaps just in the memory? If the your answer is no, then you shouldn't support the confederate flag either.

I would like to have seen the Republican candidates state unanimously that they don't understand why they are being asked this question since it was Democrats that planted those flags over state capitals in the first place.

Being from South Carolina, Mr. Hamby, you should know that.

Its obvious they want to plant the names of Hillary and Rudy into voter minds so when voters go to the polls, they vote for the (Planted) names. Get it. If the media are for the frontrunners then it will be surprising who America is really for.

I'd just like to remind people here that serious historians rarely cite economic problems as the cause of the civil war. Further, "states' rights" was a posthumous defense of the Confederacy more than a genuine ideological rationale for secession. The confederacy claimed the US government had no right to tell the states they couldn't have slaves, but then turned around and told the Confederate states they had no right to ban slavery in violation of the CSA's endorsement. Hmm.

From Georgia's cited reasons for secession–

"The people of Georgia having dissolved their political connection with the Government of the United States of America, present to their confederates and the world the causes which have led to the separation. For the last ten years we have had numerous and serious causes of complaint against our non-slave-holding confederate States with reference to the subject of African slavery."

The civil war was not as noble a thing as revisionists would like to make it out to be.

you yankees are still getting on my dagnab nerves to this days. that flag is the flag of MY COUNTRY!!! I am proud of my flag. not YOUR flag. i dont care none of what your president says the war is not over. i will never be a part of your yankee country and i will hang this flag proudly from my house until the day i die. LONG LIVE THE SOUTH!

To D. Williams of Katy, TX, who so courageously wrote, "THE CONFEDERATE FLAG WAS THE FLAG OF THE SOUTH. FLOWN BY ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO WHERE PROUD TO BE FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES. IT WAS A FLAG OF PRIDE".

Someone please remind D. Williams that FALSE PRIDE falls on the Seven Deadly Sins.

The Confederate Flag has no place in public domains (or personal domains in my opinion). There is only one true flag that we should fly, and that is the American Flag, to symbolize our unity as a nation. States that fly their own state flags is more for state pride reasons. The state flag of SC has a Palmetto on it, not an X with stars (aka Confederate flag). For us to be discussing publicly displaying this divisive and racist flag in the 20th century is beyond me. Re-enactments and confederate cementaries are one place that can fly the Confederate flag, but no other public places should even want to fly this flag.

Hey southerns get over it, you lost we won. A Yankee!

If you can fly your Battleflag because your grandpappy was a loser in the War Between the States, then anyone should be able to fly the swastika if their grandpappy was a loser in WW2. Hell, we should all fly the Union Jack, because THAT is this country's heritage. Retards…

I find it utterly cowardly what they said and what other people here have been saying, that we should capitulate to those who insist on the Confederate flag being condemned as a symbol of racism. That view is WRONG. It should not be embraced nor pandered to or validated. The acceptance of it is nothing but cowardice. The flag to me represents standing up against government tyranny and against the notion that NY has the right to tell SC to do just because they said so, and a noble people who stood for defending the concept of free and sovereign people rather than subservient to some collective overmind. The people of the Confederacy actually believed that the government should work in their interests and not abandon them for rhetoric and special interests. Sound familiar? Basically the very power of the people to revolt when the government became hungry for power purely because of its own sake was exercised, and sadly, it lost. If we bury the flag, then it becomes a total failure. To me it stands for refusing to be a sheep. Everyone would do well to learn that, and don't you dare attempt to brand that as evil.