Confusion Surrounding Free Speech Protection

The recent vice presidential debate highlighted a concerning misunderstanding of First Amendment protections among candidates. One candidate expressed views suggesting that hate speech and misinformation are not protected, which worries free speech advocates who recognize the historical precedence of protecting such speech. Historical examples, such as the Supreme Court's rulings on hate speech cases like Texas v. Johnson and Snyder v. Phelps, emphasize the principle that the government cannot restrict speech merely because it is offensive to society. This misunderstanding raises alarms, especially given that the individuals making these claims hold significant political power and should ideally be well-informed about constitutional rights.