Home > Life > Digital Culture

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.

Mashable Trend Report

Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means.

By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up!

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

Recommended deals for you

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $99.99 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $399.99 (List Price $449.00)

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Midnight Blue) — $198.00 (List Price $248.00)

Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.