Joe Biden’s inauguration was a historic moment for the US. Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States and became the oldest President of the country. His running mate Kamala Harris to created history by becoming the first woman to be sworn in as the Vice President of the country. She also the first person of colour to have become the US Vice President.
Social media was super active as the world witnessed the ceremony on television. The ceremony was inspiring but it also led to some hilarious memes on the internet and Senator Bernie Sanders was the star highlight of them all.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has been all over social media since the Inauguration Day thanks to his bundled-up look in Washington, D.C. The 79-year-old was sporting his Burton parka coat, protective face mask and a pair of mittens that were made for him by a teacher in his home state.
A Teacher From Vermont Made Bernie’s Gloves
Since the ceremony was socially distanced, seats were spread out, which caused Sanders to be sitting alone. With his leg crossed over the other, fuzzy knitted mittens on his hands and a mask on his face, Sanders looked like the epitome of “please do not bother me.”
Bernie Sanders, Vermont’s independent senator, has been hailed as an instant fashion icon after his inaugural attire went viral on Wednesday the 20th.
Sanders was asked by CBS News’ Gayle King about his ensemble following the inauguration, to which he responded, “In Vermont, we know something about the cold and we’re not so concerned about good fashion.”
“We want to keep warm. And that’s what I did today,” Sanders boasted, which got a cheerful reply of, “Mission accomplished,” from King.
Bernie’s Practical Response To Inaugural Outfit
Sanders’ wife, Jane O’Meara Sanders, praised her husband’s local look on Twitter, “Vermont jacket, Vermont gloves, Vermont common sense!” Even Vogue got in on the action, saying, “nothing looks as good on him as his signature anti-fashion style.”
Bernie’s Wife Was Full Of Praises
“I was like, “There they are,'” said Jen Ellis of Essex Junction, recalling the moment she spotted on TV the mittens she’d made for Sen. Bernie Sanders.
The independent who ran for the Democratic nomination for president had on mittens that were distinctively, perhaps even refreshingly practical. In fact, they were made from a recycled sweater and lined with fleece.
“I love it that he loves them, and that he wears them,” Ellis said. “And I’m totally honored that he wore them today.”
Here’s how it all started: Ellis’ daughter, Helen, went to a child care center owned by a relative of Sanders’. When mom wanted gifts for the staff a couple of years back, she had an “in” who could slip a pair to the former presidential candidate.
“I think people like a heartwarming story — especially now,” Ellis said of why the mittens captured so many people’s attention on social media.
Because the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancelation of craft fairs, Ellis said she has not been producing mittens for sale lately.
Ellis, who said she has never met the senator, is a full-time elementary school teacher in Vermont’s Essex-Westford School District. She upcycles used wool clothes into mittens as a side business, to sell at craft fairs or to give as gifts.
The particular image that has captivated everyone’s attention featured Sanders sitting on a chair with his legs crossed. It has become the early contender for 2021’s most popular meme.
Of course, people on Twitter couldn’t help but relate to the energy Sanders was giving off, so lots and lots of memes were made.
Beyond just memes, people started placing Sanders in photos of scenes of movies and TV shows, because he just looks so darn funny sitting there by himself. There were even other moments captured on camera at the inauguration of Bernie that have been turned into memes.
Bernie Replaces Kim Cattrall For SATC Reboot
Bernie With Tom Hanks In “Forrest Gump”
Sanders has long been a popular central figure for memes on social media. The jacket he wore on Wednesday should look familiar, as it’s the same one he wore during the 2019 video in which he asked supporters for financial donations for his presidential primary campaign.
That video featured the famous line, “I am once again asking for your financial support” that originally launched the long-time senator into a viral sensation.
After Inaugural Day, though, Sanders could become the biggest online superstar of the year. It’s still early in 2021, so anything is possible, but it’s safe to say this is the moment to beat.
Bernie’s campaign team is already set on capitalizing this trending meme.
The Bernie campaign website has launched sweatshirts that have the iconic picture of the socialist Democrat leader. The product is described as Chairman Sanders Crewneck which is priced at $45. The unisex clothing is made of combed ring spun organic cotton fleece and all the proceeds from the product goes to Meals on Wheels Vermont, (Meals on Wheels is one of the many services provided by Vermont Centre for Independent Living (VCIL) which provides hot meals to the citizens of the city under the age of 60 with chronic conditions or disabilities)
Bernie Sanders Merchandise
It should come as no surprise that the product has already sold out. The online store mentions that due to overwhelming demand, this item is temporarily out of stocks.