If the charismatic former Congressman Robert O’Rourke (D) manages to win the 2020 Democratic presidential primary race, and eventually win the presidency, the biggest story of the election cycle will not be that he beat President Donald Trump, but that he managed to convince tens of millions of Americans that he is Hispanic or Latino.
O’Rourke, who is a 5th generation Irish-American (not an ounce of “spice” running through his veins), has been nicknamed “Beto” by friends and family when he was still sporting Pampers diapers.
During his historic 2018, senatorial campaign against Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R), somehow the nickname stuck among the voting electorate.
There is a big difference between being named Robert and Roberto. Even though he does not have any apparent Latino or Hispanic blood in him, and if Robert was named Roberto, then the “Beto” nick name is appropriate.
We get it. Robert O’Rourke’s “Beto” nickname is just like any other nickname like “Bud” or “Chip” or even “Yosemite Sam.”
Most people who go by nicknames usually don’t refer to themselves by those nicknames, instead refer to themselves by their given names, and mention that they are also called by the nickname.
“Beto” O’Rourke signs his name as such.
During the 2018 senate race with Cruz, Cruz’s team pointed to the fact that then Rep. O’Rourke would sign his name using “Beto.”
The problem that Democrats and possibly Republicans have with O’Rourke is that he can sell “Beto” to most Americans. He is that likable and believable, so if “Beto” helps him with minorities, then expect Robert O’Rourke to keep going by “Beto” and don’t be surprised if the Spanish lingo is developed
