Cindy Hyde-Smith’s ‘Public Hanging’ Joke Draws Twitter Backlash and Response From Mike Espy
Lamar White, publisher of The Bayou Brief, posted a tweet that shows Hyde-Smith speaking after receiving praise from a cattle rancher, Colin Hutchinson.
“If he invited me to a public hanging, I’d be on the front row,” Hyde-Smith says in the 10-second video clip.
The crowd laughed in response.
Hyde-Smith, who was appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant to fill Thad Cochran’s seat in March, will face former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy in a runoff on Nov. 27.
The senator’s joke drew swift condemnation on Twitter and a response from Espy:
“Cindy Hyde-Smith’s comments are reprehensible. They have no place in our political discourse, in Mississippi, or our country. We need leaders, not dividers, and her words show that she lacks the understanding and judgement to represent the people of our state.”
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