MSNBC “The Cycle” co-host Touré apologized on today’s program for using the “n-word” during a segment yesterday. Specifically, Touré said Mitt Romney‘s campaign was sending coded racial messages by using certain words and phrases in campaign speeches.

“I know it’s a heavy thing, I don’t say it lightly, but this is ‘niggerization,’ You are not one of us, you are like the scary black man who we’ve been trained to fear.”

Today, the host seemed to stand by his comments, but walked back his language.

“I muddied the discussion by using the ‘n-word,’ I could’ve made the same point without that word,” he said. “I shouldn’t have used it and for that I’m sorry.”

Video of Touré’s apology below, via Mediaite: