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Cory Booker's peeved reaction to Beto speaking Spanish at the debate is an instant meme

Excuse me?

Johnny Lieu

on June 26, 2019

Ever felt threatened by someone else's fancy language skills?

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker seemed to feel just that during the Democratic Debate on Wednesday night, when rival candidate Beto O'Rourke flexed his Spanish skills first.

When Beto was asked if he would support a higher tax rate for top earners, he responded by stating that the economy needed to "work for everyone." Beto then switched mid-answer to Spanish, and Booker was caught glaring in his wake.

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Booker, of course, can also speak Spanish. He made his pitch to voters when he called into Univision's Despierta América when he announced his candidacy back in February.

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He also dropped an answer in Spanish later in the debate. But Beto got there first. It's like someone stealing your song at karaoke or wearing the same outfit as you. Booker's raw irritation with Beto's Spanish skills did not go unnoticed.