Because he's running for President, and as such, he's under a much larger scope of examination versus had he just remained a Senator and his words had no giant impact on the election race. But because he is, he's a Southerner, a Republican, a White male, he's already seen by those things alone as someone who wouldn't have an issue about the flag. And maybe he didn't. But saying such or even saying nothing, in the eyes of the public and possibly the media, would say he's fine with it. And with it being such a growing issue- I'm sorry, but you can't say you've no issue with the flag and not expect any sort of backlash. It's not always about pride when it comes to issues put front and center in the public eye. He may not even feel compelled to speak, but hell, the candidates will want to weigh in. Had they said something like 'There's more important things to talk about,' that might be valid, but this issue in South Carolina is what's being discussed right now.
Well said!