Senator Bernie Sanders has one of the most iconic images from President Joe Biden's inauguration, and the internet turned it into a viral meme. Despite the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic, the important event pushed forward by adhering to strict social distancing protocols. While the spotlight was obviously on Biden and VP Kamala Harris, the beloved politician from Vermont unknowingly stole the show with a single photo.
Admittedly, the inauguration was a little somber this year. While the whole event in itself exuded optimism, the fact that it didn't have the massive crowds that used to attend the swearing-in of a new administration because of the global pandemic added to a more toned-down mood. Nevertheless, there are some notable high moments during the ceremony which included performances from Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez. Amidst all the who's who in DC today, however, it was the low-key Sanders who's drawing a lot of attention online.
During the ceremony, the independent senator was snapped physically distancing in accordance with health protocols for the coronavirus, sitting bundled up with his arms and legs crossed. Once the photo made its rounds online, the internet did its thing and came up with countless memes out of it. Here are the best TV and movie-inspired ones from the bunch.
Before Sanders even took his seat, he was already making waves online with his whole outfit. For starters, he's wearing the same jacket he was sporting in the popular "I'm Here Once Again" meme. Pairing that with the Vermont-made gloves which were given to him by a constituent and were already previously spotted on him further tickled everyone's fancy. Sanders completed the look by carrying a brown envelope which people have been theorizing about. Director Rian Johnson already weighed in on the matter after fans posited that it's the script for Knives Out 2.
In hindsight, this is what makes Sanders iconic and a beloved political figure. Granted that his whole outfit was a departure from the fancy dress coats that most of the guests were sporting, he didn't have any problem wearing a simple, previously used jacket for the occasion just as long as he looked proper and decent. His ability to sit there alone without the need to mingle is also a signature characteristic; he's not exactly known for socializing but is more focused on accomplishing tasks at hand. This leads to the possible explanation for his brown envelope. Many are convinced that it's work-related, perhaps something connected to the long-delayed and badly-needed stimulus checks for the American people. While Bernie Sanders isn't going to become the president, don't expect him to fade away. Even if he's finally retired from politics, he will live forever via these memes, among a lot of other things.
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