Five years have passed since the image of Bernie Sanders in chair basically broke the internet, and honestly, we’re still not over it. It was January 20, 2021. The world was watching Joe Biden’s inauguration, a high-stakes, high-fashion event filled with designer coats and solemn speeches. And then there was Bernie.
He wasn't wearing a tuxedo. He didn't have a tailored Italian overcoat. Instead, the Senator from Vermont showed up in a bulky, utilitarian brown parka and a pair of oversized, patterned mittens that looked like they belonged at a PTA bake sale.
He sat there.
Arms crossed. Legs crossed. Mask on.
He looked like a man who had a very long list of errands to run and was just waiting for the post office to open. He was "Bernie being Bernie." But within minutes, that single frame captured by photographer Brendan Smialowski became a global obsession.
Why Bernie Sanders in Chair Went Viral
Internet trends usually die in forty-eight hours. This one didn't. Why? Because it was the ultimate "mood" for a planet that had been stuck in a pandemic for a year. We were all tired. We were all a little grumpy. We were all just trying to stay warm in a cold world.
The composition of the photo was perfect for memes. Because he was sitting in a standard, isolated folding chair against a relatively neutral background, it was incredibly easy for anyone with basic Photoshop skills (or just a smartphone app) to cut him out. Suddenly, Bernie Sanders in chair wasn't just at the U.S. Capitol. He was everywhere.
💡 You might also like: Cooper City FL Zip Codes: What Moving Here Is Actually Like
- He was sitting on the moon.
- He was on the bench next to Forrest Gump.
- He was the fifth member of the Sex and the City squad.
- He was on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.
It wasn't just about the humor, though. There was a weirdly deep sense of authenticity to it. While everyone else was performing for the cameras, Bernie looked like he’d forgotten they were even there.
The Mitten Maker: Jen Ellis
You can't talk about the chair photo without talking about the mittens. They stole the show. They weren't from a luxury boutique; they were a gift from Jen Ellis, a second-grade teacher from Essex Junction, Vermont.
She made them out of repurposed wool sweaters and lined them with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. Talk about "on brand" for Bernie. Jen had sent them to him years prior, and he actually kept them.
When the photo went viral, Jen’s life changed overnight. She was flooded with thousands of emails from people wanting their own pair. She eventually partnered with the Vermont Teddy Bear Company to keep up with the demand, ensuring that the "Bernie vibe" could be shared while also supporting charities like Make-A-Wish Vermont.
The Financial Impact of a Meme
Most memes just generate "likes," but this one generated actual cash. A lot of it.
Bernie’s team didn't sue people for using the image. They leaned into it. They put the photo on sweatshirts and T-shirts, calling the collection "Chairman Sanders." It sold out almost instantly.
📖 Related: Why People That Died on Their Birthday Are More Common Than You Think
The numbers are actually staggering. The merchandise raised over $1.8 million for Vermont-based charities. We’re talking about organizations like Meals on Wheels, community action groups, and senior centers. Even Getty Images, which owned the rights to the original photo, donated its portion of the licensing proceeds to charity.
A Culture Shift in Political Branding
This moment changed how politicians think about "viral" moments. Usually, a candidate wants to look powerful or polished. Bernie looked like he was waiting for a bus.
It proved that being relatable is more valuable than being perfect. In a 2026 landscape where everything feels over-curated, people still look back at the Bernie Sanders in chair photo as a benchmark for what "real" looks like. It wasn't a PR stunt. It was just a guy who was cold and decided to wear his favorite mittens.
What Most People Get Wrong
Some critics at the time tried to frame the meme as "disrespectful" to the historic nature of the inauguration, specifically the swearing-in of the first woman of color as Vice President. They argued that Bernie’s "grumpy" demeanor was a sign of a sore loser.
But if you actually look at the footage, he was just... sitting. He was paying attention. He even had a manila envelope with him—which he later joked to Seth Meyers was "top secret" but was likely just constituent paperwork.
The "grumpy" label mostly came from people who don't know Vermont winters. When it’s that cold, you don't smile to look pretty; you hunker down. This cultural divide actually made the meme stronger. It became a defense of "practicality over performance."
👉 See also: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
The 2026 "Reunion"
Fast forward to January 2026. Bernie Sanders recently attended the inauguration of Zohran Mamdani in New York City. The internet held its breath. Would he do it again?
While he didn't bring the exact same folding chair, he was bundled up in his signature winter gear. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was even spotted handing him handwarmers. It was a meta-moment that reminded everyone why we loved the original photo so much. It wasn't a flash in the pan; it’s a permanent part of the digital zeitgeist.
How to Lean Into the "Bernie Energy" Today
If you’re looking to channel that iconic energy in your own life, it’s not just about the clothes. It’s a philosophy.
- Prioritize Function: If it’s cold, wear the big coat. Don't worry about the silhouette.
- Support Local: Find the "Jen Ellis" in your community. Buy handmade, recycled, and sustainable goods.
- Stay Focused: Bernie was there to do a job. He wasn't there for the after-party.
- Turn Attention into Action: If you ever find yourself at the center of attention, figure out how to use that spotlight to help someone else.
The legacy of Bernie Sanders in chair isn't just a funny picture. It’s a reminder that in a world of filters and fast fashion, there is nothing more powerful than a person who is comfortable exactly where they are—even if that place is a cold folding chair on a windy Wednesday morning.
To truly embrace this, look for "repurposed" or "upcycled" winter wear from local artisans rather than big-box retailers. You can also check out the Vermont Folklife Archive, which now houses a massive collection of these memes as a piece of actual history.
Supporting your local Meals on Wheels is probably the most "Bernie" thing you can do to keep the spirit of the meme alive. It’s what he did with the money, after all.