In the days following the inauguration of Joe Biden, this picture of Bernie Sanders became a cultural phenomena. More to come on that.
I’ve only watched two presidential inaugurations (at least that I can remember). Barack Obama in 2009 and Donald Trump in 2017. I experienced opposite emotions while watching those two inaugurations. The 2021 presidential inauguration came after an exhausting year of pandemic chaos, political turbulence, social unrest, and just 2 weeks after thousands of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, causing millions in damage and resulting in the death of five people. Oh, and the second impeachment of Donald Trump.
The boys were home because we’re still on pandemic school schedule (2 days in person, 3 days remote learning). I was watching downstairs while working, and Zach came down and watched part of the ceremony.
Inauguration celebrations were cut back for several reasons. The unrest heightened security and since we’re still in a pandemic, the new Administration did not want to become a super spreader event. Guests were socially distanced and temperatures were taken upon arrival. Masks were mandatory at the event.
Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Garth Brooks sang and the National Youth Poet Laureate spoke, but one of the most memorable things to come out of the inauguration was a picture of Senator Bernie Sanders wearing knitted mittens. The people of the internet did not disappoint and the Bernie memes started cropping up almost instantly. Even popular brands joined in on the fun including Crocs, and a few local nonprofits in my area.
It was a much needed playful scenario that seemed to bring people together after a turbulent year.
Here’s a few of my favorite Bernie’s mittens memes (and since I’m a Gen Xer, they skew towards 80s references).
At Central Perk with Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, Joey, Rachel and Ross. Friends.
Saturday morning with a criminal, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a brain. The Breakfast Club.
At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
With the Von Trapp family.
“Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and Bernie in mittens…”
Sitting in for Jim. The Office.
“Nobody puts Bernie in the corner.” Dirty Dancing.
“Bernie, you’re my only hope.” Star Wars: A New Hope.
Johnny v. Daniel. Cobria Kai
The mittens were made by a Vermont elementary school teacher. The photo went viral, and Bernie put it on a sweatshirt. The sweatshirt sold out in a matter of minutes, and Bernie donated the proceeds to his local meals and wheels.
One Kansas Girl 