How much will the 'flag flap' be part of the 2016 national elections?

Given the apparent rise of public racially-motivated incidents this past 24 months across the country, and the current brouhaha over the confederate battle flag....how big a part will the 'flag flap' be in the 2016 national elections? Should it be? Why or why not? What is the real racial problem in our country? Does it spill over to the military? Should confederate flags be allowed on military posts?