Story highlights Cruz laid out a three-minute riff on things for which he would rather apologize

"I apologize to the millions of New Yorkers who have been let down by the liberal politicians in that state," Cruz said

Columbia, South Carolina (CNN) Ted Cruz on Friday offered an extended "apology" to those offended by his criticism of "New York values," but rather than back down from his controversial comments, he instead slammed the Empire State's "liberal politicians."

Asked by reporters whether he wanted to apologize for saying this week that Donald Trump, his main 2016 rival, "embodies New York values," Cruz turned the tables, laying out a three-minute riff on things for which he would rather apologize.

"Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio have all demanded an apology, and I'm happy to apologize," he told reporters after an event here. "I apologize to the millions of New Yorkers who have been let down by the liberal politicians in that state."

Cruz then proceeded, in detail, to attack Cuomo, the governor of New York, for his disapproval of fracking, the controversial energy extraction process, while also aiming his sights on de Blasio, New York City's mayor, for his policies on taxes, charter schools and policing.

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