Var char fields, radio buttons

So this is a messy question because I'm using WA DataAssist to edit CoffeeCup generated form results. It has always worked in the past, but I hadn't ever fiddled with radio buttons with CC forms.

CC use of radio buttons generates a var char field instead of 'set' or 'enum'. The information gets into the database ok.
When I tried to create an admin area for client using that database table, I get errors messages such as

You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'when FROM

I have tried to change the varchar to a set, using the input values but database wouldn't allow it. I tried using just text fields in WA to create the results form, I tried using radio buttons options, etc.

I just can't get the DA to play nicely with the table generated by CC.

I tried asking CC, but was told it was a database question, so no help yet. I then asked in the forum.

So if the submitted form results in a varchar field, what would the secret handshake be for options in DA when creating the admin area? I've tried everything that seemed obvious to me, but I'm not there yet.