Mississippi Republican Senate candidate Cindy Hyde-Smith apologized during a debate tonight for her “public hanging” remark at a rally in Tupelo nine days ago. The remark sparked fierce public criticism that only increased when she refused to back down, saying repeatedly, “We put out a statement and we stand by that statement.” In a rambling explanation, she initially attempted to frame her controversial remarks—in which she said if a local cattle rancher “invited me to a public hanging, I’d be on the front row”—as a mere metaphor.