public executions were too popular

[http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert (Robert)]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanging_in_the_United_States#1921_%E2%80%93_present

This is what the speaker was referring to.

I guess the theory is that these methods make death penalty more popular,
not less.  Maybe this is why executing Christians in Roman colosseums were
so popular.

 https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/roman-executions-0015378

Perhaps people like Elon Musk who eschew empathy would enjoy this, but I
cannot imagine that many people would like to see this.  Not sure, 'tho.