The Story Behind Bernie Sanders Mittens Meme: From Inauguration Day to Global Fame
The Bernie Sanders mittens meme, born from a candid 2021 inauguration photo, captures the Vermont senator in a cozy, unpretentious moment that sparked global hilarity. From its humble origins to raising millions for charity, this meme redefined internet culture. This article explores its rise, meaning, and lasting impact in 2025.
1. What Is the Bernie Sanders Mittens Meme?
What Image Sparked the Meme?
The Bernie Sanders mittens meme features a photo of the Vermont senator at Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration, sitting cross-legged on a folding chair, bundled in a green Burton parka, blue face mask, and oversized, brown-and-white patterned mittens. His arms are crossed, exuding a “grumpy dad” vibe—cozy, uninterested, and practical. The image, taken by Brendan Smialowski, became a canvas for humor, symbolizing relatability amid a formal event.
The meme’s tone resonates as a mix of defiance and comfort, capturing Sanders’ no-nonsense persona. Captions like “This could’ve been an email” or “Waiting for the Zoom call to end” amplify its everyday relatability.
Is the Bernie Sanders Mittens Meme Still Popular in 2025?
Yes, the meme remains a cultural touchstone in 2025, frequently referenced on platforms like X, TikTok, and Reddit. Its versatility fuels new formats, from AI-generated remixes to nostalgic throwbacks, keeping it alive in meme culture. Posts on r/memes and TikTok edits show Sanders’ image repurposed for modern frustrations, proving its enduring appeal.
2. Where Did the Bernie Sanders Mittens Meme Begin?
What Happened on Inauguration Day 2021?
On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden’s inauguration unfolded amid heightened security and a socially distanced crowd due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While dignitaries donned designer outfits, Bernie Sanders arrived in practical Vermont attire, sitting alone on a folding chair. His unassuming presence contrasted sharply with the event’s formality, making him an instant focal point.
Who Took the Photo and How Did It Go Viral?
Agence France-Presse photographer Brendan Smialowski captured the iconic shot, initially unaware of its potential. He noted Sanders’ casual pose while monitoring other attendees, snapping the photo as a candid moment. Shared by users like Rachel Syme on X with captions like “I would prefer not to,” it exploded across social media, reaching millions within hours. Mainstream outlets like CNN and BuzzFeed amplified its spread, cementing its viral status.
3. Why the Mittens Became the Star of the Meme
Who Made the Mittens and What’s Their Backstory?
The mittens were crafted by Jen Ellis, a Vermont second-grade teacher, who gifted them to Sanders in 2016. Made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece from recycled plastic bottles, they embody sustainability and Vermont’s DIY ethos. Ellis, overwhelmed by demand post-virality, partnered with Vermont Teddy Bear Company to produce similar designs, with proceeds supporting charities.
What Did the Mittens Represent to the Public?
The mittens symbolized authenticity, sustainability, and defiance of elite fashion norms. Against the inauguration’s high-end attire, Sanders’ handmade mittens and practical parka resonated as a populist statement. They reflected his consistent, unpolished persona, endearing him to audiences who saw them as a rejection of political pageantry.
4. How the Internet Turned Bernie Into a Meme Icon Overnight
What Other Political Moments Have Created Viral Memes?
Political memes often stem from candid moments, like Obama’s tan suit controversy, Trump’s awkward G7 photo ops, or AOC’s relatable Instagram Lives. These moments, like Sanders’ mittens, capture authenticity or absurdity, fueling online humor. The mittens meme stands out for its universal appeal, transcending political divides.
How Fast Did Bernie’s Meme Spread Compared to Others?
The meme’s spread was lightning-fast, with over 230,000 likes on a single BuzzFeed post within 24 hours and millions of X retweets. Compared to “Distracted Boyfriend” or “Woman Yelling at a Cat,” its global reach was amplified by international remixes, from Iran to Argentina, placing Bernie in local contexts like Tehran bookstands or Russian palaces.
5. Global Reaction to the Bernie Mittens Meme
How Did Global Media and Users Adapt the Meme?
Globally, users photoshopped Bernie into cultural landmarks, like the Umayyad Mosque in Syria or Naser al-Din Shah’s palace in Iran. X posts in Arabic dubbed him “Uncle Bernie,” while Russian users placed him in Putin’s palace. Media outlets from Mexico to India shared localized versions, making it a universal symbol of relatability.
Did the Meme Shift Bernie’s Image Internationally?
Yes, the meme softened Bernie’s image, transforming him from a stern socialist to a lovable, relatable figure. Global fan art, from murals in California to nail art, and diplomatic spoofs on X reinforced his everyman persona. Merchandise like mugs and bobbleheads further globalized his quirky fame.
6. Creative Uses and Spin-Offs of the Bernie Mittens Meme
How Did People Reinterpret the Image?
The internet photoshopped Bernie into classics like “The Sopranos,” “Star Trek,” and Hopper’s “Nighthawks” painting, mimicking artistic styles for seamless integration. Animations, Snapchat lenses, and 3D renders emerged, alongside Nick Sawhney’s website letting users place Bernie in Google Street View, boosting its creative reach.
Was the Meme Monetized?
Sanders’ campaign sold “Chairman Sanders” sweatshirts, raising $1.8 million for Vermont charities like Meals on Wheels. Jen Ellis auctioned mittens for charity and collaborated with Darn Tough Socks for mitten-patterned socks. Both handled fame ethically, prioritizing community impact over profit.
7. What Makes the Bernie Mittens Meme Timeless?
Why People Still Love It Years Later
The meme’s authenticity, humor, and relatability—Sanders as the grumpy everyman—combat internet fatigue with pure joy. Its cozy aesthetic and defiance of formality resonate with audiences craving genuine moments, keeping it alive in 2025’s meme cycle.
Will Bernie’s Meme Remain Iconic in Internet History?
Likely yes, as it’s archived in meme museums like Know Your Meme and featured in digital exhibits. AI-generated remixes and ongoing X posts suggest a lasting legacy. The mittens, like Sanders’ ethos, symbolize a digital age where authenticity trumps polish, ensuring its place in internet history.
Conclusion
The Bernie Sanders mittens meme, sparked by a chilly inauguration moment, transcended politics to become a global symbol of authenticity and humor. From Jen Ellis’ handmade mittens to millions in charity, its impact endures in 2025. Whether photoshopped into history or sold as merch, Bernie’s meme proves that sometimes, staying warm can set the internet ablaze.
