The Conversation (0)
Viral
Sirena Bergman
Jan 20, 2021
Getty, indy100
At most big political events, it’s usually (for better or worse – that’s a debate for another time) the women in attendance whose outfits are the topic of conversation.
And while this is certainly true of the Biden-Harris inauguration – in particular when it comes to Harris, whose purple ensemble showcased Black designers – it also found an unexpected sartorial icon this time around: Bernie Sanders.
That’s right, the Vermont senator who attended the inauguration of the man who beat him to the Democratic nomination became an instant icon for his bizarre and out of place, although decidedly charming, choice of outfit.
As soon as he appeared on the scene, people were quick to spot his jacket. The lowkey greige windbreaker would raise no eyebrows in most contexts, but in a sea of elegant designer looks, it really took centre stage.
Not only was it a far cry from his counterparts’ choice of outerwear, but eagle eyed internet sleuths also quickly realised it looked quite familiar.
The jacket appears to be the same one he wore for a campaign fundraising video released in December 2019.
The truth is, we have an excellent chance to win the primary and beat Trump. But the only way we can do that is if… https://t.co/AxAjUOHeAh— Bernie Sanders (@Bernie Sanders) 1577746920
The video itself is pretty unremarkable, but one particular line seemed to tickle people: “I am once again asking for your financial support…”
In the early months of 2020, before a bombastic election cycle and a global pandemic found themselves front and centre, it was pretty hard to scroll through social media without someone saying they were once again asking for something.
Like all good memes, it quickly became internet vernacular for, well, almost any occasion.
https://t.co/r7sYI7zjMj— Grace Spelman (@Grace Spelman) 1580426252
Was he subtweeting his own meme? Does he just… really love that jacket? (For those wondering, it was famously purchased at Burton, a Vermont-based company, but it’s sadly long sold out, for obvious reasons.)
Wait, is Bernie is wearing the same jacket from his meme at the inauguration? https://t.co/q0DtVNpZbB— Alan Johnson (@Alan Johnson) 1611157292
today’s biggest takeaway is that Twitter now has two more perfect Bernie meme frames https://t.co/9yPzm7ADIs— Anthony Dabbundo (@Anthony Dabbundo) 1611163269
BERNIE IS WEARING THE SAME COAT FROM THE I AM ONCE AGAIN ASKING MEME https://t.co/pMBMcT8cuu— 🐱🐰 An adorable kitty bun 🐰🐱 BLM!! (@🐱🐰 An adorable kitty bun 🐰🐱 BLM!!) 1611163728
And it wasn’t just the jacket. You may also spot Sanders sporting a pair of mittens, which despite looking pretty cozy were also notably at odds with the general vibe of the event.
Needless to say, people couldn’t get enough.
good morning to bernie's mittens especially https://t.co/dxmkFvg9N1— rachel syme (@rachel syme) 1611156235
This is now a Bernie Sanders mittens stan account 😍 https://t.co/eHBNWGXkqy— Zarah Sultana MP (@Zarah Sultana MP) 1611169186
"Every year, I ask--once again--for a stocking cap on my birthday list. And what happens, every year? A new pair of… https://t.co/rQgEoQGsUz— southpaw (@southpaw) 1611159466
LMAO his coat and his mittens 🥺 Also this man is such a mood, I LOVE HIM 😂🤣❤️ https://t.co/1EPw3Psyxm— StanceGrounded (@StanceGrounded) 1611160441
I see everyone mocking Bernie's "grandpa at the post office" vibe today but those mittens are clutch https://t.co/cVwINTnqR6— Grace Segers (@Grace Segers) 1611157470
Bernie's commitment to being perma-pissed until everyone has medicare for all is outstanding. Those mittens are all… https://t.co/8DNTLjGqby— Alex Whitcomb (@Alex Whitcomb) 1611162896
To add to the drama, over on Twitter people discovered the origin of the iconic mittens, and it could no be more on-brand.
Bernie’s mittens are made by Jen Ellis, a teacher from Essex Junction, Vt. She gave them to him 2+ years ago and wa… https://t.co/uQnTbkFwMQ— Ruby Cramer (@Ruby Cramer) 1611156755
Bernie keeping it real today with his classic coat and mittens 👌 The mittens are made by a school teacher in Vermo… https://t.co/h958i395nu— Tommy Corbyn (@Tommy Corbyn) 1611163941
The chairman of the Senate Budget Committee wearing his only heavy coat and gifted handmade mittens made from recyc… https://t.co/X409Yx0lwR— Sara Innamorato (@Sara Innamorato) 1611164654
The whole thing was such a vibe it became an instant meme in and of itself.
“This could have been an email” https://t.co/1nRtxO4eiq— Southpaw Swade (@Southpaw Swade) 1611160893
Me after doing Bernie memes and then reading about his mittens, embarrassed to have been rude. https://t.co/cFNjNTfShb— Caroline Moss (@Caroline Moss) 1611163526
what brooklyn once was // what brooklyn has become https://t.co/J5GCgJZISp— ☺︎ p.e. ☺︎ moskowitz ☺︎ (@☺︎ p.e. ☺︎ moskowitz ☺︎) 1611159617
This is how I always feel inside as a 40 year old dad of 3. This Bernie is my spirit animal. https://t.co/5QysWD5tAb— Wajahat Ali (@Wajahat Ali) 1611163322
Me as a kid sitting in the church pews when service began at 10:00 am and the preacher is still going at 3:42 pm be… https://t.co/ZiS6JG5Ttz— Karen Attiah (@Karen Attiah) 1611172237
Me, an hour later, deciding to clean the data tomorrow when it will hopefully be warmer in my office. https://t.co/bVbN5bqBiC— dr. shack attack (they/them) (@dr. shack attack (they/them)) 1611172355
When my daughter picks me to take her to her 8:30am soccer game. https://t.co/hph2jt7s8c— see schrader (@see schrader) 1611169320
It’s fair to say that there is now officially a Senator Sanders for every occasion. Never change, Bernie.
MORE: After four, tumultuous years, we've reached the end of Donald Trump's presidency