According to Hotline On Call, Sen. George Allen (R-VA) "said today that he was 'absolutely insulted' by what he called the 'erroneous' and 'vicious' cover story in this week's TNR delving into his history on racial issues." "As for his past association with the Confederate flag, Allen said he had 'learned over the years that' it 'means different things to different people.' He pointed out that some look at it and see 'valor,' while others see 'lynching.' Asked what he sees in it, Allen responded that to him 'it means all these things.' The fundamental issue regarding the banner, though, is 'how it hurts people,' he said. People can change, Allen argued." Meanwhile, the Richmond Times-Dispatch says former Virgnia Gov. Mark R. Warner, "a Democrat who like Allen is exploring a possible presidential bid, was in San Francisco yesterday. He had no comment, a Warner spokesman said." [Political Wire]