Bernie Sanders becomes a meme in mittens

Unlike many other political figures, Bernie Sanders did not focus on making a fashion statement at this event. But somehow, his outfit seems to be all anyone can talk about. 

This inauguration was a momentous occasion that saw Donald Trump exit the office of the president and the Biden-Harris administration installed. The position of vice president is held by a woman of Black and Asian heritage — for the first time in American history. 

A historic moment was happening at this inauguration but, for Bernie Sanders, it looked like someone interrupted his daily errands. Sanders wore a warm khaki coat and mittens and shunned formal attire for the event as he continued to march to the beat of his own drum.

Of course, Twitter immediately made this unusual style choice a meme, and quickly he was edited into a myriad of unusual locations where he looked just as out of place. 

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Sanders was edited into anime films...

The Office…

Iconic snapshots of history…

And the even the horror film Midsommer.

These memes are, to quote Sanders, "meh." The Senator from Vermont made it clear that his focus is on his work instead of his attire. On his Instagram page, Bernie posted, “Fashion? Let’s get to work.”

Bernie Sanders has spent much of his career advocating for political and social change and continues to work tirelessly even though he will celebrate his 80th birthday this year.  

Many fans praised the politician for his lack of interest in the usual pomp and fanfare that surrounds these types of events. One fan commented on his Instagram, “That’s right Bernie boo you don’t got time for fashion because you’re fighting for social justice and climate change. Love you Tio!!!”

Another stated that his lack of interest in his wardrobe was what made him such an icon, the fan wrote, “the real drip is not caring about the drip.”

The mittens sported by Sanders also had an adorable backstory that some fans might have missed. They were knitted by one of his constituents, Jen Ellis. Ellis lives in Vermont and crafted the mittens from recycled wool specifically for Sanders.

Jen Ellis, a teacher, admitted that she had no intention of making any more mittens, despite the attention she has received from fans of Bernie's look. Ellis told the Jewish Insider, "I don’t have any mittens to sell. I don’t really do it a lot any more. I’m flattered that they want them, but there are lots of people on Etsy who sell them and hopefully people will get some business from them. But I’m not going to quit my day job.”