I get the feeling that RP threw the line about repealing laws out there because he thought it would increase his appeal to “people of color”, without thinking through the implications or having a clear ideas of the specific laws he would repeal. When pressed on that point, he is unable to provide specifics, and he gets flustered and walks off. Not a good start to his campaign... But that is what happens when you try to pander without a well planned strategy.
He certainly did throw it out to appeal for the ‘black’/colored votes. He is demonstrating by his words that he is a demagogue for self aggrandizement. No statesman character in the least.