Brands Deploy Mittens Memes After Bernie Sanders Goes Viral
Bernie Sanders, the United States’ Senator for Vermont, has become an unwitting internet sensation that brands have seized on around the world.
In fashion Twitter users described as “dressed to stand on line at the post office” and “grumpy chic”, Sanders arrived at Capitol Hill for the Biden/Harris inauguration wearing a familiar beige coat, patterned mittens that he said were given to him by a teacher in Vermont, and a face mask, with a manilla envelope tucked underneath his arm.
It was a look that immediately caught the internet’s eye, with the picture stealing the show of the historic inauguration not only of America’s oldest ever president, but the nation’s first woman, first African American, and first Asian American vice president.
It’s the cult photo that broke the internet and launched a thousand memes.
The picture of Bernie Sanders sitting cross-legged, arms folded and wearing mittens at Joe Biden’s inauguration became the most viral image of the day https://t.co/P6oO9H6dOA pic.twitter.com/hl3mn5JcRr
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 23, 2021
Internet users across the globe were deploying the photo in memes as the fly on Mike Pence’s head and sitting on a bench listening to Forrest Gump, among others, but brands were even hopping on the trend.
The best Bernie memes I saw pic.twitter.com/mwq6stLV7Z
— David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) January 21, 2021
Here are a few of the best memes we’ve found, to date, from brands. (We’re particularly fond of Herb’s efforts.)
#BernieSanders #BernieSandersMittens pic.twitter.com/n6CyIBYErd
— wikiHow (@wikiHow) January 21, 2021
Waiting for Deutsche Bahn be like…but at least you get your own seat. #BernieSandersMittens pic.twitter.com/wSCV5Ed11L
— Deutsche Bahn AG (@DB_Presse) January 22, 2021
Waiting for your first sale pic.twitter.com/NKCAkcLf3A
— Shopify (@Shopify) January 21, 2021
Counting your bars' rest like…
#BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/0qz5UEfhcc— London Philharmonic Orchestra (@LPOrchestra) January 21, 2021
Single digits made for a chilly ride along this morning #BernieSanders #BernieSandersmemes #BernieSandersMittens pic.twitter.com/hKNw3mqNrW
— Eau Claire Police (@EauClairePD) January 22, 2021
Okay, Twitter, you got us … #BernieSandersMittens pic.twitter.com/Ol2s4AgIVL
— Daimler AG (@Daimler) January 23, 2021
When you have an inauguration at noon, but a SmileShop appointment at 1pm. #BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/zT6k1FWVvE
— SmileDirectClub (@smiledirectclub) January 21, 2021
Bernie is all of us when the edible hits 😍
by @weedfeed feat. the coziest mittens pic.twitter.com/5lgtd0t7FQ— Herb (@Herbworthy) January 21, 2021
Berning time until the Jameson Distillery reopens like…#Bernie pic.twitter.com/0ngWbK7KEM
— Jameson Whiskey (@jamesonwhiskey) January 21, 2021
2013 @vmas was a historical event that @BernieSanders couldn't miss. pic.twitter.com/ZXMZaMmb3c
— MTV (@MTV) January 21, 2021
Actor Mark Hamill, moreover, weighed-in on the memes on Twitter after they made their way into Star Wars scenes, saying: “I only know one truth… It’s time for the @starwars/@BernieSanders memes…TO END.”
(The line is a riff on one of Luke Skywalker’s controversial comments in The Last Jedi.)
I only know one truth…
It's time for the @starwars/@BernieSanders memes…
…TO END. pic.twitter.com/WvjsCVtviD
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) January 24, 2021
Sanders’ team has also seized on the sensation of the meme, by featuring the image on sweatshirts sold at the Senator for Vermont’s campaign store.
All proceeds will go to Meals on Wheels programs in Sanders’ home state of Vermont, where sales are expected to raise millions of dollars for the charity.
Bernie made a shirt with his meme and it sold out and he donated all of the money to Meals on Wheels https://t.co/zYoTWFePbh
— Val Geisler 🖤🏳️🌈💌 (@lovevalgeisler) January 23, 2021
Reacting to the inauguration moment, Sanders told CNN: “It turns out actually to be a good thing and not only a fun thing.”
In addition, t-shirts with Sanders’ mittens pose are being sold on Etsy. Jewish magazine Jewish Currents is also selling a mug with a cartoon version of the pose, while the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has designed a lookalike bobblehead, which is on presale for US$25.
Sadly, the original mittens’ knitter, Vermont teacher Jen Ellis who makes them on the side, has run out.
The mittens are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from plastic water bottles, and gained attention when Senator Sanders began wearing them on the US campaign trail in 2020.
Ellis tweeted last week that she had received overwhelming interest in the mittens, and thanked followers. She added that she was “flattered that Bernie wore them to the inauguration”.
“Sadly, I have no more mittens for sale,” Ellis wrote, adding: “There are a lot of great crafters on ETSY who make them.”
On Wednesday, the Senator defended his casual inauguration wear, saying that he was more worried about warmth than appearance when choosing his outfit.
“In Vermont, we know something about the cold,” Sanders said. “And we’re not so concerned about good fashion.”
In Vermont, we know something about the cold. And we’re not so concerned about good fashion. pic.twitter.com/zDtrToPbun
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 23, 2021
Please login with linkedin to comment
Bernie SandersLatest News
Scroll Media Recruits Costa Panagos From Twitch
Digital publisher network Scroll Media has employed ex-Amazon Twitch gaming executive Costa Panagos (lead image) to strengthen its Scroll Gaming capability. Panagos is highly experienced in game advertising and media sales professional with two years in account management at Twitch and three years in media sales at News Corp, so will bring his extensive media agency […]
Year13, Microsoft & KPMG Australia Launch AI Course For Gen Zs
School-leaver service Year13 has launched a new Artificial Intelligence course to upskill young people in AI, made in collaboration with Microsoft and KPMG, at an event to rally industry support behind youth AI fluency. The free online course AI Amplified which is part of Year13’s Academy aims to provide all young people with the opportunity […]
General Motors Snares Heath Walker From Scania
General Motors has announced the appointment of Heath Walker (lead image) as the new marketing director for GM Australia and New Zealand, effective April 23, 2024. Walker brings a wealth of marketing and communications experience gained from working across various industries, including IT, sporting, and auto – notably Tesla, Nissan and most recently, Scania in […]
VML Launches New “Envoyage” Brand For Flight Centre
VML unveils new brand for travel operator Flight Centre. Alas, no sign of those paid actors pretending to be pilots.
Subaru Places Media Account Up For Review
Subaru puts media up for review, as adland journos get set for mandatory "agency drives off with..." headline.
TV Ratings (17/04/2024): Contestants Faced With Harsh Realities As Alone Australia Heats Up (Or Cools Down)
Alone still doing the business for SBS. Overly long train journeys not doing the business, but they persist anyway.
Ben Fordham Loses Number One Spot As Ray Hadley Celebrates 156th Ratings Win
The radio numbers are in! Discover who's off for a boozy lunch today & who's waiting for the dreaded HR death knock.
Gourmet Ice Cream Brand Connoisseur Launches New “Thrill Your Senses” Iteration, Via SICKDOGWOLFMAN
Rattling the old "truth in advertising" adage comes this ice-cream spot full of noticeably thin people.
Paramount’s Global Sales Boss: ‘Australia’s Converged Model Is A Blueprint For How I’d Like All Of Our Markets To Be’
Paramount's global sales boss gives local sales ops the thumbs up. Didn't weigh-in on the Lisa Wilkinson debacle.
TikTok Starts Testing Its Instagram Rival In Australia
In exciting news for piano playing cats & brattish pranks in shopping centres, TikTok unveils its Insta rival plans.
Man Wrongly Named By Seven As Bondi Killer Hires Lawyers
Struggling to save for a house deposit? Why not get wrongly identified by Sunrise!
Smartsheet Appoints Indie Agency Sandbox Media To Its Media Account
Can't stand your colleagues? Like to dob them in when they miss a deadline? These work management platforms are ideal.
Boss Not Letting You Come To Cannes In Cairns? Use This Business Case To Convince Them!
Stingy boss won't spring for a ticket to Cairns? Add this to your persuasive argument repertoire. Or grovel.
Alt/shift/ Brisbane Builds Portfolio With Ausbuild Creative, PR, Content & Social Account Win
The Brisbane comms/PR agency lands constructor Ausbuild. Also hoping for a discount on its new glass conservatory.
Young Guns Versus The Old Guard: Who Adds More Value to Our Industry?
Cannes In Cairns poking this hornet's nest in a lively debate. Just so long as the oldies can get up the stairs.
70% Of Aussies Don’t Have Green Power Plans ENGIE Says In Major Brand Campaign Via HERO
Are you the notorious "light leaver on-er" in your flatshare? Quell any infighting with this green energy news.
PrettyGood Launches Offering Brand & Media Solutions For Australasian SMEs
B&T applauds the charitable nature of this new agency. Although we'd hate to see it impact any Chrissie present sends.
A Blunt End: Dolphins Medicinal Cannabis Sponsorship At Risk
Yes, it's another NRL drug story. Yet, thankfully it doesn't involve coke in Kuta during the off-season.
Slew Of New Creative Hires At Leo Burnett Australia
Ahhh, all black! The outfit of choice for agency creatives, David Jones staff and everyone in Melbourne.
Under Armour Unveils Local “Live in UA” Campaign
American apparel brand set for yet another tilt at the Aussie market, as Nike declares "we'll see about that".
Pepsi Launches New Look, Refreshing Classic Fashion Staples Via Special PR
Are you always the bridesmaid, never the bride, as the old saying goes? How do you think Pepsi feels?
Pure Blonde Returns To A Place Purer Than Yours In New Campaign Via The Monkeys
B&T's always been a huge fan of the 'drink yourself thinner' diet plan. So big thanks to Pure blonde, vodka & tequila.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Carsales Strikes With Another Storm-Based Team
Think our hacks are living their sports journalist dreams vicariously through B&T? Confirm it with this reporting.
Commission Factory & AGL Energy Ignite Strategic Partnership To Empower Australian Energy Consumers
Concerned by global warming yet ran the fans non-stop over summer? Add to the guilt with this read.
Allied Nabs Nicola Gold From Pico International Dubai
Seasoned marketer relocates from Dubai to Sydney. Says the shopping's not as good but at least you can get a drink.
Nine’s Push For Gold, Silver & Bronze Ad Opportunities Could Break New Ground In Broadcasting
Nine insists that AI won't dominate its Olympics coverage. And not merely because Bruce McAvaney doesn't understand it.
TV Ratings (16/04/2024): Toxic City Girls Too Much For Farmer Bert
Fans calling out toxic behaviour on Farmer Wants A Wife, seemingly unaware that's the very premise of any dating show.
Kaimera Wins Afterpay ANZ Media Account
Have couriers even started to mention you're overdoing the online shopping? Probably best to avoid this Afterpay news.
Industry Reacts: Stuff Group Swoops In To Save 6pm News After Newshub Closure
As you'll read here, New Zealand's media's in a right state of flux. And nor have they forgotten 1981's underarm.
a2 Milk Launches “Only a2 Will Do’ Brand Platform In First Work From BMF
A2 milk drinkers tend not to bother everyone with their gut health issues & it's a lesson for vegans & the gluten-free.
Can You Recite It In Under 4 Seconds? Maccas Relaunches Iconic Competition With Modern Twist
Do you know what would make a fantastic ad? Drunk people at 3am trying to recite the ”two all-beef patties"
‘Liar, Liar’: Lehrmann Exposed As High Profile Defamation Case Comes To A Close
Having exhausted all avenues in his defamation case, is there only one option left for Bruce - reality television?
MECCA & Fendi Among Premium Advertisers For oOh!media Woollahra OOH Network Launch
If you've not been to the snooty suburb of Woollahra, the locals would like to thank you again for staying well away.
Yahoo Academy Announces Class Of 2024
This academy is strictly for "emerging leaders". Courses don't include 'sleeping at your desk' or 'bunking off early'.
Top 35 Media Leaders Announced For 2024 TikTok Agency Accelerator Program
Despite the ban threats, TikTok keeps marching on. Cementing its reputation as the Julian Assange of the tech.
AiMCO Announces First-Ever Diversity Webinar To Explore Inclusion In Influencer Marketing
Think influencer marketing's a little on the white side? This free webinar's for you. Sadly, it's not given TV ideas.