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While lots of people were talking about Joe Biden taking over from Donald Trump yesterday (20 January), it was another man who stole the show during the inauguration ceremony: Bernie Sanders.
The Independent Senator has always been a bit of an outsider, not conforming to the political norms, and it seems the same goes for his wardrobe.
While most of those in attendance, such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, wore slick coats and gloves, the 79-year-old was seen wearing a grey winter jacket and some wooly mittens.
And while this might not sound so wild, people loved it, and Bernie became an instant meme, with his image being superimposed on all manner of scenes, from Birdbox and The Mandalorian, to The Hobbit and Pulp Fiction. They really ran with it.
I made one too. #BernieSanders #Berniememes #Bernie pic.twitter.com/xshgz5mlF2
- Couchman (@manofthecouch) January 21, 2021
There's a lot of these and they are all cracking me up. :heart: @BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/W3Wm6wEMFD
- Angela Kinsey:doughnut: (@AngelaKinsey) January 21, 2021
This is the way. #BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/DdpPV3GlL5
- Drone Strikes for all who want them (@aturtlenamedbo1) January 21, 2021
Bern Box#BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/cRppsNLxJX
- Wirjil (@Wirjil) January 21, 2021
I need more than 4 spaces Twitter for Bernie. #BernieSanders #berniesmittens pic.twitter.com/9tuFknKwzS
- Carshénah (aka Blackk_Starr) (@CarshenahJ) January 21, 2021
I'm living for the Bernie Sanders Meme pic.twitter.com/ydYfgSJ5Qt
- Lia @ Oneus Comeback (@Malfir_) January 21, 2021
The best Bernie Sanders Inauguration meme pic.twitter.com/VSn8gtryY4
- UGene:bee: (@EugeneGlukh) January 20, 2021
According to reports, however, there was actually a very sweet story behind the chunky mittens.
They were made by a schoolteacher, Jen Ellis, from his home state. She is said to have used repurposed wool sweaters and recycled plastic bottles to make them, and Bernie also wore them while out on the campaign trail last year.
Yesterday saw Mr Biden become the 46th President of the United States, with Kamala Harris also being sworn in as the 49th Vice President and the first woman to hold the position.
The 78-year-old was sworn in during his inauguration ceremony at the Capitol, taking over from Trump - who was not present at the event.
Addressing the country, Mr Biden assured people that 'democracy had prevailed' after a troubling few weeks and months.
Mr Biden said: "A new America has risen to the challenge today. We celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy.
"The people, the will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.
"We've learnt again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. At this hour, our friends democracy has prevailed."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: joe biden, US Politics, US News, Donald Trump