(Citizen Free Press) — It is time to admit that making jokes about sacred historical moments like the presidential inaugurations is only part of our way of dealing with overwhelming political and social change. We know that history is being made, yes, but what kind of history? When future generations look back on this day, what will they see?
Apparently, mostly summer memes by Bernie Sanders.
In the most memorable moments of President Joe Biden’s inauguration, the Vermont senator emerged as the clear winner of the day. From the moment he arrived, a northeastern outerwear beacon amid a sea of stylish wool coats, the internet fell in love with Sanders all over again.
«Bernie dressed like the inauguration was on his to-do list today, but it wasn’t his whole day.
Bernie dressed like the inauguration is on his to do list today but ain’t his whole day. pic.twitter.com/wCRyoxU3V2
— Reeezy (@MsReeezy) January 20, 2021
Perhaps it was the Burton jacket, apparently a favorite item in Sanders’ wardrobe. And it’s proof, as Esquire says, that you just need a good coat. (Longtime fans of Bernie’s memes recognized the coat as the same one he appears to be wearing in another memorable moment of the campaign in late 2019).
“Wait, Bernie is wearing the same jacket as his meme at the inauguration?”
Wait, is Bernie is wearing the same jacket from his meme at the inauguration? pic.twitter.com/q0DtVNpZbB
– Alan Johnson (@TheAlanJohnson) January 20, 2021
Maybe it was the mittens, a perfect combination of functionality and fashion, or the fact that she came to the event carrying what looked like a package and… a check? Either way, it gave off a casual “This was fun, but the post office closes at six” vibe that people felt deep in their souls.
“Bernie looks like he’s really going to drop off a package or something.”
Bernie really looks like he’s on his way to mail something pic.twitter.com/Ig0w66FPzs
— Katherine Miller (@katherinemiller) January 20, 2021
Now imagine him sitting in a folding chair, trying to keep warm and become the most beloved meme of the day. People have had a lot of fun with this moment!
“I’m asking you once again not to talk to me at parties”
I am once again asking that you not talk to me at parties. pic.twitter.com/b6wzZNv9KG
– Lunch Manuel (@obedmanuel) January 20, 2021
“When you have to go to the bathroom but the cat is comfortable”
— Respectful Memes (@RespectfulMemes) January 21, 2021
— Jerry Saltz (@jerrysaltz) January 21, 2021
He’s obviously part of the #Darvey hive. 🥰 pic.twitter.com/vIqYiJu89H
— Suits (@SuitsPeacock) January 21, 2021
The other memorable moments of the inauguration
Of course, the other groundbreaking fashions at the ceremony also drew their fair share of jokes and admiration. For example, the jewel-toned coat squad of powerful political women or Lady Gaga in a suit that looked like Effie Trinket’s sensitive twin sister.
Bernie doing things right out there.
How do other girls look with their winter clothes – How do I see myself »
Bernie out there doing it right 🥶😂 pic.twitter.com/E7KugBJvVJ
— Waifu. (@Curious_Catx) January 20, 2021
“I made a website where you can put Bernie in some places using Street View from Google Maps. Enjoy!”
I made a website where you can put bernie in places using google maps street view. Enjoy!https://t.co/UfY5g9xU2k pic.twitter.com/8rstiEXOHf
— nick (@nick_sawhney) January 21, 2021
bern pic.twitter.com/XiAKRKLZT3
— Oscar Vega (@raspbearyart) January 20, 2021
«In the chat they said: go in pearl tones»
The group chat said: JEWEL TONES. 1/20. pic.twitter.com/VctSwAutao
– SHAAANAAAN (@shannboogie) January 20, 2021
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first Hunger Games”
Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the 1st Hunger Games pic.twitter.com/QhBxozb38h
– Orange (@MunchingOrange) January 20, 2021
“Gaga at the inauguration”
Gaga at the Inauguration (2021) pic.twitter.com/PGXTF8Ylfr
— Partna ˣ (@onlychloexhalle) January 20, 2021
And how about Jennifer Lopez? Did you really think you could sing a little “Let’s Get Loud” at your inauguration performance and that people wouldn’t talk about it? Impossible!
“My cat’s reaction when JLo sang ‘Let’s get Loud'”
My cat when JLo broke into “Let’s get Loud” 😂 pic.twitter.com/HemrhcnFGU
– Sarah Kaplan (@ sarahkaplan48) January 20, 2021
«Gaga dressed up as a sponsor of the Hunger Games. JLo put “Let’s get Loud” on This land is your Land. Everything about this is very extra.
Gaga dressed like a Hunger Games sponsor. J Lo worked “let’s get loud” into this land is your land. Everything about this is so extra
— Wesley (@WesleyLowery) January 20, 2021
People also took note of the man who performed the critical task of cleaning the lectern between appearances. We are in a pandemic.He deserves all the love in the world!
The Podium Wiper will be enshrined in American mythology and ceremonially present at every inauguration until the sun dies pic.twitter.com/6Fv4wkBKrW
— Charlotte McGrath (@mc_lotta) January 20, 2021
In addition to Sanders, Tom Hanks also gave something to talk about
Later in the evening, as the sun set on Biden’s first day as president, America’s other uncle, Tom Hanks (Sanders is father’s side uncle, Hanks is mother’s uncle) stood in front of to the Lincoln Memorial and paid tribute to the American dream of unity. This would normally be nothing to comment on, but the internet was very tired and overstimulated, and Hanks was not wearing a coat. What happens?
“I know William Henry Harrison doesn’t get a lot of tribute, but I’d still feel better if Tom Hanks wore a coat.”
I know William Henry Harrison doesn’t get many tributes, but I’d still feel better if Tom Hanks would put on an overcoat https://t.co/nJYytTgVUu
– Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) January 21, 2021
The dawn of a new presidency brings with it so many questions, so many unknowns. But before we face the challenges that await us, it was a pleasure to be able to come together as Americans and celebrate what truly unites us: a collective concern about whether Bernie Sanders delivered that package on time.