Ben Carson said NASCAR fans should be allowed to continue to fly the Confederate flag, as long as it is on private property.
The Republican presidential candidate and the only African-American candidate in the crowded 2016 field made the comments on Monday while receiving the informal endorsement of racing legend Richard Petty.
Petty, who told the Associated Press at the event that he likes that Carson is “very humane,” has previously called the debate over the flag “a passing fancy.”
The controversy surrounding the Confederate flag emerged when nine black churchgoers were murdered in a racially motivated shooting in Charleston, S.C. by a while male. The flag was the subject of more controversy after NASCAR fans continued to fly it at races.
Carson was hesitant at first to comment on the flag, but then said NASCAR fans should continue flying the flag “if it’s private property and that’s what they want to do.”
However, Carson did acknowledge how the flag is a symbol of racism for many.
“Swastikas are a symbol of hate for some people, too. And yet they still exist in museums and places like that,” Carson said, adding, “If it’s a majority of people in that area who want it to fly, I certainly wouldn’t take it down.”
Carson, who has never held public office, remains near the top of numerous national polls.
