Bernie Meme Explained: Who He Is, Its Origin, and Why It Went Viral
This article covers everything you need to know about the Bernie meme: its viral origin from the 2021 inauguration, the funniest and most popular meme edits that followed, and why it continues to make waves online.
At Grumpy Sharks, we explain how Bernie Sanders’ casual outfit and demeanor sparked endless creativity and humor across social media, turning a single photo into a lasting cultural moment. You’ll also discover the reasons behind the meme’s ongoing popularity and why it keeps resurfacing in new and surprising ways.
#1 Who Is Bernie?
Bernard “Bernie” Sanders (born September 8, 1941) is an American politician and Senator from Vermont. Although he identifies as an independent, Sanders caucuses with the Democratic Party and has held several leadership roles within it. He is the longest-serving independent in the history of the U.S. Congress. Since January 2015, Sanders has been the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee and previously served two years as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in both 2016 and 2020 but was unsuccessful.
#2 What Is The Origin Of Bernie Meme?
The Bernie Meme comes from a viral photo of Senator Bernie Sanders sitting cross-legged, bundled in a heavy winter coat and wearing distinctive mittens, looking unimpressed at President Biden’s inauguration ceremony in 2021. The photo, taken by photographer Brendan Smialowski on January 20, 2021, captures Bernie dressed warmly and seriously practicing social distancing during the event.
This casual, relatable vibe stood out sharply against the formal atmosphere, making the image instantly popular online. People quickly began editing Bernie into everything from famous movie scenes to everyday places, turning the photo into a beloved and widely shared meme.
#3 Where the Bernie Meme Began?
#4 Why Did the Bernie Meme Go Viral?
The Bernie meme went viral because it captured a genuine, relatable moment that stood out amid a very formal event. Bernie Sanders sitting casually in his mittens at the 2021 inauguration created a striking contrast that people found both funny and authentic, making it perfect for sharing and remixing across social media.
There are three main reasons why the meme took off so quickly: its authenticity, the humor from its contrast, and how easy it was to adapt.
- Authenticity: People tend to engage more with images that feel real and unpolished. Bernie’s relaxed and unbothered demeanor resonated as genuine, breaking the usual formal tone of political events.
- Humor from Contrast: Humor often comes from unexpected juxtapositions. Bernie’s casual outfit clashing with the solemn inauguration setting made the image amusing and memorable.
- Adaptability: Memes spread fastest when they can be easily edited and inserted into different cultural contexts. Bernie’s isolated and simple pose made it easy for creators to place him in countless funny and unexpected scenarios.
Together, these factors created the perfect storm that turned the Bernie meme into a viral internet sensation.
#5 Is There Any Other Bernie Meme?
Yes! Beyond the iconic inauguration photo, Bernie Sanders has appeared in several other meme formats. These include images of him speaking passionately outdoors, reacting with serious or humorous expressions, and even animated GIFs capturing his unique gestures. Each version offers a fresh way for meme creators to capture Bernie’s personality and connect with audiences, keeping the meme alive and constantly evolving. You can make your own here.
#6 Frequently Asked Questions About the Bernie Meme
Who took the original photo?
The iconic photo of Bernie Sanders at the 2021 inauguration was taken by photographer Brendan Smialowski. It captured Bernie sitting cross-legged, wearing his signature mittens and practical coat.
Has Bernie commented on the meme?
Yes, Bernie Sanders has acknowledged the meme with good humor. He expressed appreciation for the creativity behind it and mentioned that proceeds from merchandise using the meme have supported charitable causes.
Are there official meme templates available?
While there aren’t official templates released by Bernie’s team, many websites and social media pages offer ready-to-use Bernie meme templates created by fans, making it easy to create your own versions.
#7 Conclusion
The Bernie meme has become a lasting part of internet culture because it captures something real—Bernie’s unpretentious, relatable vibe amid a highly formal event. Whether it’s the famous mittens photo or other moments showing his unique personality, these memes strike a chord with people by blending humor, authenticity, and creativity. As new edits and formats keep emerging, the Bernie meme continues to bring smiles and laughs, proving that sometimes the simplest moments make the biggest impact online.
