Politics

Here’s How Sen. Cruz Allegedly Responded To A Question About Beto O’Rourke And Diversity

Getty Images/Tom Reel and Zach Gibson

Amber Athey Podcast Columnist
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Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz joked during a Monday rally about an exchange he once allegedly had with a CNN reporter about Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke and diversity.

While campaigning in Harlingen, Texas, Cruz claimed a CNN reporter once asked him if people should vote for O’Rourke “to have more diversity in the Senate.”

“What? Is there a shortage of Irishmen in the Senate?” Cruz allegedly responded referencing his challenger.

Cruz is half Cuban and his full name is Rafael Edward Cruz.

O’Rourke, whose given name is Robert, has been criticized in the past for choosing to go by the Spanish nickname, “Beto.” (RELATED: O’Rourke Addresses ‘Beto’ Nickname)

DALLAS, TX – SEPTEMBER 21: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) makes his final remarks as Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) listens during a debate at McFarlin Auditorium at SMU on September 21, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Fox-Pool/Getty Images)

The congressman addressed the controversy during an October town hall with CNN, explaining, “You know this in McAllen [Texas] — if you are born Robert, or Albert, or Gilbert, or Umberto — your folks, your friends, your community calls you Beto.”

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