Mitt Romney calls for removal of South Carolina statehouse Confederate flag -- and conservatives go apesh*t

Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney joined a growing chorus of Americans calling for the state of South Carolina to take down the Confederate flag, calling it a symbol of hatred and divisiveness, only to have conservative followers of his turn on him.

Attention has once again returned to the flag flown at the state capital of South Carolina, home of the birthplace of the confederacy, following the shooting of nine black churchgoers by Dylann Roof, who sported Confederate flags on his car.

Friday night, South Carolina state Rep. Norman “Doug” Brannon (R) said he plans on introducing a bill to remove the Confederate flag near his state’s capitol building, adding, "I’m not a politician tonight. But I do have access, and I will introduce that bill in December,”

Saturday morning on Twitter, Romney wrote, "Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims."

See also:

Here are 11 myths about the future of gun control — debunked after the Charleston shooting

‘I know where he got his news': Bill Maher links Charleston terrorist to right-wing media

Romney's position on the Confederate flag isn't new -- he criticized it during the 2008 presidential campaign and drew fire and attack ads over it then

While many praised Romney for taking a bold stand, others harshly criticized the conservative Republican with one writing, "With respect, if you want to define the confederacy, does that mean I get to define Mormonism"

Romney's tweet and some responses below:

One tweet in particular was appreciative of Romney, complimenting him while taking a slap at the GOP in general:

See also:

‘I know where he got his news': Bill Maher links Charleston terrorist to right-wing media