In case you were wondering, Jan. 20 has been a big day for the US as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were officially sworn in. The former first couple Barack and Michelle Obama were there, dripping in style and serving inspirational messages of hope. Lady Gaga – in her finest Effie Trinket look – sang the national anthem, followed by Jennifer Lopez’s rendition of “This Land Is Your Land” and poet Amanda Gorman’s history-making poetry reading. People from all over the world showed up for this historic inaugural celebration, but there’s one man who showed up with such aplomb that it struck a chord within everyone tiptoeing the line of “celebrating the immense significance of today” and “emotionally done.” And that’s Bernie Sanders.
Sporting a simple combo of a very familiar coat, his mask, and some adorable mittens, Bernie showed up for the presidential inauguration with an energy so relatable, it’s almost nameless. Although there’s no doubt that the Vermont senator understands the gravity and significance of the day, the captured images of him exude such an air of “over it” that we can’t help but relate. It’s giving “ready to get started on the work” while everyone is chilling. It’s the same vibes as that the one person in a group project who will try to take all the work because they don’t trust anyone else to get their parts done. And it’s all done with a pair of mittens that were gifted to him on the campaign trail by Vermont teacher Jen Ellis more than two years ago. They’re made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled bottles, which makes perfect sense with Bernie’s progressive environmental platform.
In appreciation for Bernie’s energy, we have come up with over 20 situations where we’ve felt the same and hope that he knows how much we cherish this bright spot of humor he gave us today.
Getty / SAUL LOEB
- When your mom was supposed to pick you up after school, but she’s late, and the teacher aide is starting to ask questions.
- When the driver says he’s in front of your apartment, but you don’t see him anywhere.
- When it’s almost closing time, and you want to catch a ride before surge pricing starts.
- When you have to call the doctor, and your sister refuses to talk for you, so you have to make the appointment yourself.
- When you’ve been on the line with customer service for over 30 minutes, and they’re trying to transfer you to another person again.
Getty / OLIVIER DOULIERY
- When a friend of a friend tries to get too friendly too soon, and you have to tell them to back up a step.
- When somebody goes in for a hug without checking if you’re into it first.
- When you have to tell the person ahead of you in line at the supermarket to stay six feet apart.
- When you see someone you don’t want to talk to trying to get your attention, so you appease them with a wave of acknowledgment.
- When someone is talking nonsense, and you’re about to tell them all the ways they’re wrong.
Getty / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI
- When the Zoom meeting could have been an email.
- When your mom made you attend your brother’s soccer practice but said you couldn’t bring the iPad.
- When you have to sit at the kids’ table for Thanksgiving dinner, even though you’re a grown adult.
- When all of your cousins went outside to “get some air,” but you have to stay and watch the kids.
- When your mom said y’all were leaving “in a minute,” and it’s been two hours.
- When you’re on your morning commute thinking about all the stuff you have to do that morning.
- When your dad told you to wait in the car, but he took the keys and you can’t play music.
- When they told you to be at the place early, but no one else is there.
- When you scheduled your hair appointment for 9:30 a.m., but someone else is already in the chair, and you have to wait for them to finish.
Getty / JONATHAN ERNST
- When you only came to get a plate, and you’re waiting for the prayers to end, so you can go.
- When the weather drops below 60 degrees in the South.
- When whoever is talking is wrong, and you’re waiting for your chance to correct them with receipts.
- When the speech is so good, you have to stand up and lean forward to hear it better.
Getty / Tasos Katopodis
- When the school said families had to stay seated, but you didn’t pay tuition not to show out for your baby.
- When you thought the mittens were touchscreen capable, but you still have to take them off to work the screen.
