It’s no longer surprising to hear Republican candidates like Newt Gingrich openly endorsing a “state’s right” to fly the Confederate flag — the symbol of slavery, sedition, and a war that nearly destroyed the United States.

And in the same breath, Gingrich says he’s “unalterably opposed to slavery.” Well, isn’t that nice.

At an event in South Carolina yesterday, Newt Gingrich was asked by a town hall participant to offer his views regarding the state’s decision to fly the Confederate flag at the statehouse in Columbia. The woman’s question was met with a smattering of boos from the audience.

“I have a very strong opinion,” Gingrich said, prefacing his weak response. “It’s up to the people of South Carolina.” (He then qualified his answer by assuring that he is opposed to segregation and slavery.)