They were thin-skinned and hypocrites, and it's still a fatuous remark

Im sure he does like answering questions, it's more publicity, but it's still largely hot air in pursuit of self promotion. 

There's a difference between self-promotion and principle

Im not sure who you wish to 'check with' and it would be rather impractical, and unlikely to yield unanimity

I think free speech is important, currently the DOJ are seeking ip addresses for 1.2 million posters on an anti-Trump website, without citing any crime at all. 

However when some talk of 'free speech' they usual mean their own, and not others

The law makes the distinction, you may or may not agree with it.