Full History Of Bernie Sanders In Timeline From 1921

1921: Elias Sanders Immigrates to the US

In 1921, Elias Sanders, Bernie Sanders' father, immigrated to the United States from Poland.

September 8, 1941: Birth of Bernie Sanders

On September 8, 1941, Bernard Sanders was born. He is an American politician, the senior United States senator from Vermont, and the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history.

1948: Last Socialist elected to the House

In 1948, Vito Marcantonio, from the American Labor Party, won his last term as the Socialist elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Sanders would later become the first socialist elected to the House since Marcantonio.

1952: Last Independent elected to the House

In 1952, Frazier Reams of Ohio won his second term as an Independent in the U.S. House of Representatives. Sanders would later become the first independent elected to the U.S. House of Representatives since Reams.

1954: Bar Mitzvah

In 1954, Sanders celebrated his bar mitzvah.

1956: Brother joined the Young Democrats of America

In 1956, Sanders was first introduced to political activism when his brother Larry joined the Young Democrats of America and campaigned for Adlai Stevenson II.

1959: Attends Brooklyn College

From 1959 to 1960, Sanders studied at Brooklyn College.

1960: Transfers to University of Chicago

In 1960, Sanders transferred to the University of Chicago.

January 1962: Protest against Segregated Housing

In January 1962, Sanders participated in a rally and sit-in at the University of Chicago to protest segregated campus housing policies.

1962: Death of Elias Sanders

In 1962, Sanders' father, Elias Sanders, died at age 57.

1963: Volunteered on Israeli kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim

In 1963, Sanders and Deborah Shiling Messing volunteered on the Israeli kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim.

1963: March on Washington and Arrest

In 1963, Sanders attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and was fined $25 for resisting arrest during a demonstration against segregation in Chicago.

1963: End of Segregation at University of Chicago

In the summer of 1963, the University of Chicago ended racial segregation in private university housing after protests.

1964: Graduation from the University of Chicago

In 1964, Sanders graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

1964: Married Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1964, Sanders married Deborah Shiling Messing.

1966: Divorced Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1966, Sanders and Deborah Shiling Messing divorced.

1968: Move to Stannard, Vermont

In 1968, Sanders moved to Stannard, Vermont, and worked as a carpenter, filmmaker, and writer.

1968: Settling in Vermont

In 1968, Sanders settled in Vermont and ran unsuccessful third-party political campaigns in the 1970s.

1969: Residency in Montpelier

From 1969 to 1971, Sanders resided in Montpelier.

1969: Son Levi Sanders was born

In 1969, Sanders's son, Levi Sanders, was born to then-girlfriend Susan Campbell Mott.

1970: Stannard Population

In 1970, the population of Stannard, Vermont, was 88 residents.

1971: Residency in Montpelier

From 1969 to 1971, Sanders resided in Montpelier.

1971: Joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party

In 1971, Sanders joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party and was a candidate for several offices.

1971: Heather Titus was born

Sanders considers Heather Titus (née Driscoll; born 1971) to be his own.

1972: Runs for Governor and Senator

In 1972, Sanders ran as the Liberty Union candidate for governor of Vermont and in the special election for U.S. senator.

1973: Reference to the 1973 War Powers Resolution

In 2018, Bernie Sanders and other senators invoked the 1973 War Powers Resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen. The 1973 War Powers Resolution was used as the basis for the bill.

1974: Runs for U.S. Senator

In 1974, Sanders ran as a candidate in the general election for U.S. senator.

1974: Carina Driscoll was born

Sanders considers Carina Driscoll (born 1974) to be his own.

1975: Dave Driscoll was born

Sanders considers Dave Driscoll (born 1975) to be his own.

1976: Peak of Liberty Union Influence

In 1976, Sanders collected 11,317 votes for governor, marking the zenith of the Liberty Union's influence, forcing down-ballot races to be decided by the state legislature.

1976: Runs for Governor

In 1976, Sanders ran as the Liberty Union candidate for governor of Vermont.

1976: Gubernatorial Election Results Analysis

Prior to running for mayor, Richard Sugarman showed Sanders a ward-by-ward breakdown of the 1976 Vermont gubernatorial election, where he received 12% of the vote in Burlington despite only getting 6% statewide. This analysis encouraged Sanders to run for mayor.

October 1977: Retirement from Liberty Union Party

In October 1977, Sanders and Nancy Kaufman announced their retirement from the Liberty Union Party.

1977: Work at APHS

After resigning from the Liberty Union Party in 1977, Sanders worked as a writer and director of the American People's Historical Society (APHS).

1977: Quit Liberty Union Party

In 1977, Sanders quit the Liberty Union Party to become an independent.

November 8, 1980: Announces Candidacy for Mayor

On November 8, 1980, Sanders announced his candidacy for mayor of Burlington.

1980: Elector for the Socialist Workers Party

During the 1980 presidential election, Sanders was one of three electors for the Socialist Workers Party in Vermont.

1981: Campaign against waterfront development

In 1981, Bernie Sanders campaigned against Burlington developer Tony Pomerleau's plans to convert the industrial waterfront into expensive condominiums, hotels, and offices. He successfully supported a plan to redevelop the area into a mixed-use district featuring housing, parks, and public spaces, running under the slogan "Burlington is not for sale".

1981: Elected as mayor of Burlington, Vermont

In 1981, Sanders ran as an independent for mayor of Burlington, Vermont, and defeated the Democratic incumbent.

December 3, 1982: Announcement of Reelection Campaign

On December 3, 1982, Sanders announced that he would seek reelection as mayor of Burlington.

January 22, 1983: Citizens Party Endorsement

On January 22, 1983, the Citizens Party voted unanimously to endorse Sanders for reelection as mayor of Burlington, although Sanders ran as an independent.

1983: Spoke at the Socialist Party USA conference

In 1983, Sanders gave a speech at the conference of the Socialist Party USA.

December 5, 1984: Announcement of Third Term Campaign

On December 5, 1984, Sanders announced that he would run for a third term as mayor of Burlington.

1984: Endorsed Walter Mondale

In 1984, Sanders endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale.

1985: Hosting Noam Chomsky

In 1985, Burlington City Hall hosted a foreign policy speech by Noam Chomsky. Sanders introduced him as "a very vocal and important voice in the wilderness of intellectual life in America".

December 1, 1986: Announcement of Fourth Term Campaign

On December 1, 1986, Sanders announced that he would seek reelection to a fourth term as mayor of Burlington.

1986: Bernie Speaks with the Community

In 1986, Bernie Sanders began hosting and producing a public-access television program called Bernie Speaks with the Community.

December 1987: Recording of Folk Album

In December 1987, Bernie Sanders recorded a folk album, We Shall Overcome, with 30 Vermont musicians, performing his vocals in a talking blues style.

1987: Decision Not to Seek Reelection

After the 1987 election, Sanders said he would not seek another mayoral term.

1987: Recording of 'We Shall Overcome'

In 1987, Bernie Sanders collaborated with 30 Vermont musicians to record a folk album, We Shall Overcome.

May 28, 1988: Married Jane O'Meara Driscoll

On May 28, 1988, Sanders married Jane O'Meara Driscoll in Burlington, Vermont.

1988: Trip to the Soviet Union

During a trip to the Soviet Union in 1988, Sanders interviewed the mayor of Burlington's sister city Yaroslavl about housing and health care issues in the two cities.

1988: Bernie Speaks with the Community ended

In 1988, Bernie Sanders ended hosting and producing a public-access television program called Bernie Speaks with the Community.

1988: Cameo in "Sweet Hearts Dance"

In 1988, Bernie Sanders made a cameo appearance in the film Sweet Hearts Dance, playing a man distributing candy to trick-or-treaters.

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1988: Endorsed Jesse Jackson

In 1988, Sanders endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson.

1988: First ran for the U.S. House of Representatives

In 1988, Sanders first ran for the U.S. House of Representatives.

1988: House seat election

In 1988, Sanders ran for the House seat representing Vermont's at-large congressional district as an independent, placing second with 38% of the vote.

1989: Leaving office as Mayor

When Sanders left office in 1989, Bouricius, a member of the Burlington city council, said that Sanders had "changed the entire nature of politics in Burlington and also in the state of Vermont".

1990: Election to U.S. House of Representatives

In 1990, Sanders was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Vermont's at-large congressional district.

1990: Benefitted from NRA opposition to Peter Smith

In 1990, Sanders's bid to become a U.S. Representative was aided by the National Rifle Association of America's opposition to Peter Smith, his competitor, due to Smith's change in stance on firearm restrictions and waiting periods for handgun purchases.

1991: Co-founding the Congressional Progressive Caucus

In 1991, Sanders and five other House members co-founded the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

1991: Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives

In 1991, Sanders became the first independent elected to the U.S. House of Representatives since 1952.

1991: Lecture at Hamilton College

In 1991, Sanders lectured in political science at Hamilton College.

1991: Voted against the resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iraq

In 1991, Sanders voted against the resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

February 7, 1992: Sponsored Cancer Registries Amendment Act

On February 7, 1992, Sanders sponsored the Cancer Registries Amendment Act to establish cancer registries to collect data on cancer.

October 2, 1992: Leahy introduced a companion bill

On October 2, 1992, Senator Patrick Leahy introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

October 24, 1992: Cancer Registries Amendment Act signed into law

On October 24, 1992, the Cancer Registries Amendment Act, which Sanders sponsored, was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush.

1993: Vote against the Brady Bill

In 1993, Sanders voted against the Brady Bill, which mandated federal background checks when buying guns and imposed a waiting period on firearm purchasers in the United States.

1993: Voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

In 1993, while a U.S. representative, Sanders voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which established background checks and wait periods for handgun purchases.

1994: Re-election during Republican Revolution

During the 1994 Republican Revolution, Sanders won re-election to the House of Representatives by 3%, with 50% of the vote.

1994: Voted for Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

In 1994, Sanders voted for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act because it included the Violence Against Women Act and the ban on certain assault weapons, although he was critical of other parts of the bill.

1995: Start of period assessed by Rolling Stone

In 2005, Rolling Stone called Sanders the "amendment king" for his ability to get more roll call amendments passed than any other congressman during the period since 1995, when Congress was entirely under Republican control.

1996: Voted against prohibiting police from purchasing tanks

In 1996, Sanders voted against a bill that would have prohibited police from purchasing tanks and armored carriers.

1996: Voted against funding for CDC research on firearms

In 1996, Sanders voted against providing additional funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for research on issues related to firearms.

1998: Voted for increased minimum sentencing

In 1998, Sanders voted for a bill that would have increased minimum sentencing for possessing a gun while committing a federal crime to ten years in prison, including nonviolent crimes such as marijuana possession.

1999: Acting Role in "My X-Girlfriend's Wedding Reception"

In 1999, Bernie Sanders acted in the film My X-Girlfriend's Wedding Reception, playing Rabbi Manny Shevitz and mourning the Brooklyn Dodgers' move to Los Angeles.

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1999: Vote against rolling back the Glass-Steagall legislation

In 1999, Sanders voted and advocated against rolling back the Glass–Steagall legislation provisions that kept investment banks and commercial banks separate entities.

October 2000: Extension of PNTR status to China

In October 2000, permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status was extended to China. In February 2005, Sanders introduced a bill that would have withdrawn the status.

2001: Voted for Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists

In 2001, Sanders voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists, which has been cited as the legal justification for controversial military actions since the September 11 attacks.

2002: Voted against the resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iraq

In 2002, Sanders voted against the resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

June 2003: Criticism of Alan Greenspan

In June 2003, Sanders criticized Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan, telling him he was concerned that he was "way out of touch" and representing the wealthy and large corporations.

2003: Opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Sanders opposed the invasion of Iraq.

February 2005: Introduced bill to withdraw PNTR status from China

In February 2005, Sanders introduced a bill that would have withdrawn the permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status that had been extended to China in October 2000.

April 21, 2005: Entered race for U.S. Senate

On April 21, 2005, Sanders entered the race for the U.S. Senate after Senator Jim Jeffords announced his retirement.

May 2005: Endorsement from Howard Dean

In May 2005, then-Democratic National Committee chair and former Vermont governor Howard Dean endorsed Sanders, considering him an ally.

June 2005: Proposed amendment to limit Patriot Act provisions

In June 2005, Sanders proposed an amendment to limit Patriot Act provisions that allow the government to obtain individuals' library and book-buying records. Although the amendment passed the House by a bipartisan majority, it was later removed during House-Senate negotiations.

2005: "Amendment king"

In 2005, Rolling Stone called Sanders the "amendment king" for his ability to get more roll call amendments passed than any other congressman since 1995.

2005: Voted for legislation granting gun manufacturers legal immunity

In 2005, Sanders voted for legislation that provided gun manufacturers with legal immunity against claims of negligence.

2005: Voted for Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

In 2005, Sanders voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which aimed to prevent firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held liable for negligence when crimes were committed with their products.

March 2006: Campaigning with Barack Obama

In March 2006, then-Senator Barack Obama campaigned for Sanders in Vermont during his Senate run.

2006: Declined Vermont Democratic Party Nomination

In 2006, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, which caused an unsuccessful legal challenge to his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

2006: First ran for the U.S. Senate

In 2006, Sanders first ran for the U.S. Senate.

2006: Election to U.S. Senate

In 2006, Sanders was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first non-Republican elected to Vermont's Class 1 seat since 1850.

2007: Opposition to immigration reform bill

In 2007, Bernie Sanders helped kill a bill proposing comprehensive immigration reform, as he argued that its guest-worker program would lower wages for American workers.

2007: Caucusing with the Democrats

In 2007, Bernie Sanders's caucusing with the Democrats gave them a 51–49 majority in the Senate during the 110th Congress in 2007–08.

2007: Became a senator

In 2007, Sanders became a senator.

2008: Clinton supporters in 2008 voted for John McCain

A 2017 analysis in Newsweek found that 12% of those who voted for Sanders in the Democratic primary voted for Trump in the general election, a lower proportion than that of Clinton supporters in 2008 who voted for John McCain.

2008: Voted against TARP

In 2008, Sanders voted against the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

February 4, 2009: Sponsored amendment to ensure TARP funds would not displace U.S. workers

On February 4, 2009, Sanders sponsored an amendment to ensure that TARP funds would not displace U.S. workers. The amendment passed and was added to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

December 2009: Provision to Affordable Care Act for community health centers

In December 2009, Bernie Sanders successfully added a provision to the Affordable Care Act, allocating $11 billion to community health centers, especially those in rural areas.

2009: Supported legalizing same-sex marriage in Vermont

In 2009, Bernie Sanders supported legalizing same-sex marriage in Vermont as part of his advocacy for LGBT rights.

December 10, 2010: Filibuster against Tax Relief Act

On December 10, 2010, Sanders delivered an 8-hour and 34-minute speech against the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, arguing that it would favor the wealthiest Americans.

2010: Support for the DREAM Act

In 2010, Bernie Sanders supported the DREAM Act, which aimed to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as minors.

February 2011: Publication of 'The Speech'

In February 2011, Nation Books published Sanders's speech as The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class, with authorial proceeds going to Vermont nonprofit charitable organizations.

The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class

Check it on Amazon

August 2011: High approval rating as U.S. Senator

In August 2011, a Public Policy Polling survey found Bernie Sanders's approval rating at 67%, making him the third-most popular U.S. senator at the time.

2011: Suggestion for someone to challenge Obama

In 2011, Bernie Sanders suggested that it was "a good idea" for someone to challenge Obama in the primaries.

2012: Consideration of primary challenge against Obama

During the 2012 Democratic presidential primaries, Bernie Sanders considered running against President Obama in the primaries due to dissatisfaction with Obama's stance on Social Security cuts.

2012: Declined Vermont Democratic Party Nomination

In 2012, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, which caused an unsuccessful legal challenge to his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

2012: Re-election to U.S. Senate

In 2012, Sanders was reelected to the U.S. Senate.

November 2013: Suggestion of Elizabeth Warren for president

In November 2013, Bernie Sanders suggested that Senator Elizabeth Warren could be president and that she might earn his backing if she ran.

2013: Burlington ranked among most livable cities

As of 2013, Burlington was regarded as one of the most livable cities in the United States. This was after Sanders had been mayor of the city.

2013: Chairs Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee

From 2013 to 2015, Sanders chaired the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.

2013: Support for Gang of Eight's immigration bill

In 2013, Bernie Sanders supported the Gang of Eight's comprehensive immigration reform bill, after securing a $1.5 billion youth jobs program to offset potential labor market competition with immigrants.

2013: Brother retired from Oxfordshire County Council

In 2013, Sanders's elder brother, Larry, retired from the Oxfordshire County Council.

2013: Introduction of legislation to strengthen Older Americans Act

In 2013, as chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging, Bernie Sanders introduced legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Older Americans Act, which supports programs for seniors like Meals on Wheels.

June 9, 2014: Sponsorship of Veterans' Access to Care Act

On June 9, 2014, Bernie Sanders sponsored the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs.

July 31, 2014: Passage of Veterans' Access to Care Act by both chambers

On July 31, 2014, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014, incorporating Bernie Sanders' bill, passed both chambers of Congress.

August 7, 2014: Signing of Veterans' Access to Care Act into law

On August 7, 2014, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014, which included elements from Bernie Sanders' bill, was signed into law by President Obama.

December 2014: Warren's decision not to run

In December 2014, Senator Elizabeth Warren announced that she was not running for president.

2014: Ranked third in The Forward 50

In 2014, Bernie Sanders ranked third in The Forward 50.

April 30, 2015: Announcement of presidential candidacy

On April 30, 2015, Bernie Sanders announced his intention to seek the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

May 2015: DNC Announces Debate Schedule

In May 2015, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced that there would be six debates. Critics suggested the debate schedule was designed to protect Hillary Clinton.

June 2015: Large campaign event crowds

In June 2015, Bernie Sanders's campaign events drew unexpectedly large crowds across the country.

July 1, 2015: Campaign stop in Madison, Wisconsin

On July 1, 2015, Bernie Sanders's campaign stop in Madison, Wisconsin, drew an estimated turnout of 10,000 people, the largest crowd of any 2016 presidential candidate to that date.

July 29, 2015: Online meetup with supporters

On July 29, 2015, an online meetup organized by Bernie Sanders' campaign brought 100,000 supporters to over 3,500 simultaneous events nationwide.

September 2015: The New York Times Coverage of Sanders

In September 2015, The New York Times' ombudsman reviewed her paper's coverage of the Sanders campaign, finding it dismissive and scanter compared to Trump's coverage.

October 2015: Jimmy Kimmel Interview

In October 2015, Bernie Sanders was asked by Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live! about his religious views and belief in God, which Sanders addressed by stating that he is culturally Jewish and believes everyone connects to God in their own way.

November 15, 2015: Response to ISIL attacks in Paris

On November 15, 2015, in response to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)'s attacks in Paris, Sanders cautioned against Islamophobia, stating, "We gotta be tough, not stupid" in the war against ISIL and advocating for the continued acceptance of Syrian refugees by the U.S.

November 2015: Speech at Georgetown University on democratic socialism

In November 2015, Sanders gave a speech at Georgetown University discussing his view of democratic socialism, highlighting its place in the policies of presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson and defining what "democratic socialism" means to him.

November 2015: Highest approval rating among U.S. Senators

In November 2015, a Morning Consult poll indicated that Bernie Sanders had an 83% approval rating among his constituents, making him the most popular U.S. senator.

December 4, 2015: Won Time's 2015 Person of the Year readers' poll

On December 4, 2015, Sanders won Time's 2015 Person of the Year readers' poll with 10.2% of the vote.

December 2015: Network Coverage of Sanders

A December 2015 report found that major networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC spent considerably less time reporting on Sanders compared to Trump, despite similar polling results.

2015: Attendance at Tashlikh Ceremony

In 2015, Bernie Sanders attended a Tashlikh atonement ceremony with the mayor of Lynchburg on the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah.

2015: Ranking minority member on Senate Budget Committee

In 2015, Bernie Sanders became the ranking minority member on the Senate Budget Committee.

2015: Brother ran in British general election

In 2015, Larry Sanders ran as a Green Party candidate for Oxford West and Abingdon in the British general election.

2015: Sanders' Coverage Exceeded Polling in 2015

In 2015, Sanders received media coverage that far exceeded his standing in the polls.

2015: End of term as chair of Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee

In 2015, Sanders' term as chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee came to an end.

January 2016: Presidential campaign fundraising

By the end of January 2016, Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign had reached 3.25 million donations, raising $20 million in that month alone.

February 6, 2016: Saturday Night Live Appearance

On February 6, 2016, Bernie Sanders guest-starred alongside Larry David on Saturday Night Live, portraying a Polish immigrant on a sinking steamship.

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February 2016: Clinton and Sanders Campaigns Agree to More Debates

In February 2016, the Clinton and Sanders campaigns agreed to holding four more debates, bringing the total to ten.

March 2016: Sanders' Speech Not Broadcast

On March 15, 2016, during Super Tuesday III, while speeches of other candidates were broadcast in full, Sanders's rally speech in Phoenix, Arizona, was not mentioned.

March 17, 2016: Support for Merrick Garland's nomination

On March 17, 2016, Bernie Sanders stated he would support Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court, while also suggesting there were "some more progressive judges out there."

March 20, 2016: Given an honorary Lushootseed name

On March 20, 2016, Sanders was given an honorary Lushootseed name, dxʷshudičup, by Deborah Parker in Seattle to honor his focus on Native American issues during his presidential campaign.

April 2016: Vatican Conference and Meeting with Pope Francis

In April 2016, Bernie Sanders accepted an invitation to speak at a Vatican conference on economic and environmental issues and briefly met with Pope Francis.

April 2016: Formation of Brand New Congress

In April 2016, Brand New Congress, a political organization, was formed by former Sanders campaign staffers to elect congressional representatives with platforms aligned with Sanders.

May 2016: Sanders Polling Favored Over Trump

An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll in May 2016 indicated that Sanders would defeat Trump, while Clinton and Trump were in a dead heat. Sanders also had a more favorable rating.

July 12, 2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

On July 12, 2016, Bernie Sanders formally endorsed Hillary Clinton in her presidential campaign against Donald Trump, while encouraging his supporters to continue the "political revolution".

July 2016: Democratic Platform Draft as Monument to Sanders Campaign

In July 2016, a Slate article called the Democratic platform draft "a monument to his campaign", highlighting the inclusion of issues like a $15 minimum wage and Social Security expansion.

July 2016: DNC Emails Leak Favoring Clinton

In July 2016, leaked DNC emails revealed officials favoring Clinton over Sanders, discussing making his irreligious tendencies a campaign issue and questioning his party loyalty. Sanders responded to the leak, calling it an outrage.

August 2016: Formation of Our Revolution

In August 2016, Sanders formed Our Revolution, a political organization dedicated to voter education and electing progressive candidates.

November 2016: Release of "Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In"

In November 2016, Sanders's book "Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In" was released, becoming a New York Times Best Seller.

Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In

Check it on Amazon

2016: Media Coverage of Sanders in 2016 Election

A study of media coverage in the 2016 election concluded that the amount of coverage of Sanders during the election was largely consistent with his polling performance. The tone of media coverage of Sanders was more favorable than that of any other candidate.

2016: Suggested reforms for the Democratic Party

After Trump's victory in the 2016 elections, Sanders suggested the Democratic Party undergo a series of reforms.

2016: Influence on Democratic Party

After his 2016 campaign, Sanders is credited with influencing a leftward shift in the Democratic Party.

2016: Changed position on Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

As of 2016, Sanders stated that he had changed his position on the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and would vote for legislation to defeat this bill.

2016: Called for an increase in CDC funding for gun violence study

As of 2016, Sanders stated that he would support repealing the law granting gun manufacturers legal immunity and called for an increase in CDC funding for studying gun violence.

2016: Presidential Campaign

In 2016 Bernie Sanders was a candidate for president.

2016: Disclosure of Spiritual Feelings

In 2016, Bernie Sanders disclosed having "very strong religious and spiritual feelings", expressing that he feels impacted by the suffering of children and veterans.

2016: Ranked first in The Forward 50

In 2016, Bernie Sanders ranked first in The Forward 50.

2016: Comments on Sanders

In 2016, Joan Mahoney described Sanders in an interview as "a swell guy, a nice Jewish boy from Brooklyn, but he wasn't terribly charismatic. One of his strengths, though, was his ability to work with a wide group of people, even those he didn't agree with."

2016: Unsuccessful legal challenge to his candidacy

In 2016, Sanders declining the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in 2006, 2012, and 2018, caused an unsuccessful legal challenge to his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.

2016: Voted for Federal Reserve Transparency Act

In 2016, Sanders voted for the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, which included proposals for a reformed audit of the Federal Reserve System.

2016: Rise of "Bernie Sanders' Dank Meme Stash"

In 2016, during Bernie Sanders' campaign, the Facebook group Bernie Sanders' Dank Meme Stash gained attention for its unique focus on creating and sharing memes about the politician.

2016: Russians had communicated false information

In February 2018, Robert Mueller's investigation concluded that Russians communicated false information during the 2016 U.S. elections to help Sanders and Stein. Sanders rejected this conclusion.

2016: Russia interfered in the 2016 election

In January 2018, Sanders voiced concern about Trump's failure to mention the finding that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election.

2016: Sanders Endorses Clinton at DNC

In July 2016, after Clinton became the presumptive nominee, Sanders formally endorsed Clinton at the Democratic National Convention and urged his supporters to unify behind her.

2016: Described his upbringing as an American Jew in a 2016 speech

In a 2016 speech, Sanders described his upbringing as an American Jew, noting his father's limited synagogue attendance, his mother's discontent with his yeshiva schooling, and their family's Passover seders.

2016: Sanders's 2020 Campaign

Sanders's 2020 campaign employed many of the same methods as its 2016 counterpart, eschewing a Super PAC and relying predominantly on small-dollar contributions.

2016: Sanders Built Large Email List

Using the large email list it built during the 2016 campaign, the 2020 campaign recruited more than one million volunteers within weeks of its launch.

February 2017: The Bernie Sanders Show Webcast

In February 2017, Sanders began webcasting The Bernie Sanders Show on Facebook Live.

March 2017: Highest net favorability among politicians

In March 2017, Fox News found Bernie Sanders to have the highest net favorability at +28 points of any prominent politician included in its poll.

April 2, 2017: Guests on The Bernie Sanders Show

As of April 2, 2017, guests on The Bernie Sanders Show included William Barber, Josh Fox, Jane Mayer, and Bill Nye.

April 2017: Introduction of bill to raise minimum wage for federal contract workers

In April 2017, Bernie Sanders introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage for federal contract workers to $15 an hour.

April 2017: Highest favorability rating among political figures

In April 2017, a nationwide Harvard-Harris Poll found that Bernie Sanders had the highest favorability rating among all the political figures included in the poll.

May 4, 2017: Prediction of deaths due to repeal of Affordable Care Act

On May 4, 2017, Bernie Sanders predicted that "thousands of Americans would die" if the Affordable Care Act was repealed, due to lack of access to healthcare.

May 30, 2017: Received an honorary degree from Brooklyn College

On May 30, 2017, Sanders received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Brooklyn College.

June 12, 2017: Voted against legislation imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran

On June 12, 2017, Sanders voted against legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran, believing the sanctions could endanger the Iran nuclear deal.

September 2017: Submission of Medicare for All bill

In September 2017, Bernie Sanders, along with 15 Senate co-sponsors, submitted the Medicare for All bill, a single-payer healthcare plan.

October 2017: Said he would run for reelection as an independent in 2018

In October 2017, Sanders said he would run for reelection as an independent in 2018 despite pressure to run as a Democrat.

November 2017: Call to end global oligarchy

In November 2017, after the Paradise Papers revelations and a report on wealth inequality, Bernie Sanders stated "we must end global oligarchy" and called for a fair, progressive, and transparent tax system.

2017: Analysis of Sanders Voters in General Election

A 2017 analysis in Newsweek found that 12% of those who voted for Sanders in the Democratic primary voted for Trump in the general election, a lower proportion than that of Clinton supporters in 2008 who voted for John McCain.

2017: Criticized Trump and promised to defeat "Trumpism"

In 2017, Sanders criticized President Trump for appointing billionaires to his cabinet, for rolling back President Obama's Clean Power Plan and for calling climate change reports a hoax. Sanders also promised to defeat "Trump and Trumpism and the Republican right-wing ideology".

2017: Criticized Republicans' use of reconciliation to pass tax cuts

In 2017, Sanders criticized Republicans' use of reconciliation to pass tax cuts, despite supporting the use of the same method to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

2017: Drew parallels between his campaign and that of the Labour Party in the 2017 UK general election

Sanders drew parallels between his campaign and that of the Labour Party in the 2017 UK general election and wrote in The New York Times that "the British elections should be a lesson for the Democratic Party".

2017: Chair of Senate Democratic Outreach Committee

Since 2017, Bernie Sanders has been chair of the Senate Democratic Outreach Committee.

January 2018: Online Reply to Trump's State of the Union Address

In January 2018, Bernie Sanders gave an online reply to Trump's State of the Union address, criticizing him for being "compulsively dishonest" and initiating "a looming immigration crisis" by ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

February 2018: Mueller Investigation Concludes Russian Interference

In February 2018, Robert Mueller's investigation concluded that Russians communicated false information during the 2016 U.S. elections to help Sanders and Stein. Sanders rejected this conclusion.

April 2018: Democratic Party Admitting Sanders Was Right

In April 2018, an opinion article suggested the Democratic Party was quietly admitting that Sanders was right regarding his policy stances.

May 9, 2018: Introduction of Workplace Democracy Act

On May 9, 2018, Bernie Sanders introduced the Workplace Democracy Act, a bill to expand labor rights by making it easier for workers to join a union.

September 5, 2018: Introduction of the Stop BEZOS Act

On September 5, 2018, Bernie Sanders, in partnership with Ro Khanna, introduced the Stop Bad Employers by Zeroing Out Subsidies (Stop BEZOS) Act, which would require large corporations to cover the costs of food stamps and Medicaid benefits received by their employees.

October 2018: Bill to end U.S. support for Saudi-led intervention in Yemen

In October 2018, after the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, Bernie Sanders' bill to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen gained bipartisan support. The bill was later passed by the Senate with a vote of 56-41.

November 2018: Launch of Progressive International

In November 2018, the Sanders Institute and Yanis Varoufakis launched Progressive International, an organization uniting progressive activists.

2018: Sanders's 2020 Campaign

According to Federal Election Commission filings, the Sanders campaign had raised the most money in the 2020 Democratic field as of June 2019, including money left over from his 2018 Senate and 2016 presidential races.

2018: Campaign Event in Stannard

During his 2018 reelection campaign, Sanders returned to Stannard, Vermont, to hold an event with voters.

2018: Opposition to Trump's federal budget

In 2018, Bernie Sanders opposed the United States federal budget proposed by the Trump administration, characterizing it as a transfer of wealth to the top 1% at the expense of working families.

2018: Declined Vermont Democratic Party Nomination

In 2018, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, which caused an unsuccessful legal challenge to his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

2018: Run for reelection as an independent

In 2018, Sanders said he would run for reelection as an independent in 2018 despite pressure to run as a Democrat.

2018: Reelection in the 2018 United States Senate election in Vermont

In 2018, Sanders was reelected in the United States Senate election in Vermont.

2018: Re-election to U.S. Senate

In 2018, Sanders was reelected to the U.S. Senate.

2018: Democratic Primary Nearing End

In her 2018 book, political scientist Rachel Bitecofer wrote that the Democratic primary was effectively over in terms of delegate count by mid-March 2016, but that the media promoted the narrative that the contest between Sanders and Clinton was "heating up" at that time.

February 2019: Passage of Yemen War Powers Resolution in the House

In February 2019, the bill to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen, sponsored by Bernie Sanders, passed the House by a vote of 247-175.

February 19, 2019: Sanders Announces 2020 Presidential Run

On February 19, 2019, Sanders announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential nomination.

March 5, 2019: Sanders Signs Democratic Party Loyalty Pledge

On March 5, 2019, Sanders signed a formal statement affirming his membership in the Democratic Party and pledging to serve as a Democrat if elected.

March 2019: Signed a formal "loyalty pledge" to the Democratic Party

In March 2019, Sanders signed a formal "loyalty pledge" to the Democratic Party.

April 6, 2019: Participated in Fox News town hall

On April 6, 2019, Bernie Sanders participated in a Fox News town hall which attracted over 2.55 million viewers, leading to controversy due to the Democratic National Committee's stance on Fox News debates. The appearance boosted Fox News viewership significantly, surpassing other Democratic candidate town halls, and by September 2019, it had garnered over 1.5 million views on YouTube.

May 1, 2019: Tweet on China trade deal

On May 1, 2019, Sanders tweeted his concerns about the China trade deal he had voted against, stating that America had lost over three million manufacturing jobs since its implementation.

June 2019: Sanders Campaign Raised The Most Money

According to Federal Election Commission filings, the Sanders campaign had raised the most money in the 2020 Democratic field as of June 2019.

August 6, 2019: Appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast

On August 6, 2019, Bernie Sanders was a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, leading to varied reactions, including praise for the pragmatic discussion. Following the podcast, Joe Rogan became a top-trending topic on Twitter, and by October 2019, the podcast had over ten million views on YouTube. Rogan expressed his support for Sanders after the interview.

August 2019: Sanders Received Third-Most Mentions

According to a RealClearPolitics analysis, Sanders received the third-most mentions on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC between January and August 2019, trailing only Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

September 2019: Sanders Steadily Polling Between 15% and 20%

According to the RealClearPolitics average, Sanders steadily polled between 15% and 20% on most national surveys between May and September 2019, placing him in second place behind Joe Biden.

September 2019: Sanders Campaign Reached One Million Donors

In September 2019, the Sanders campaign became the fastest in U.S. history to reach one million donors.

October 1, 2019: Sanders Campaign Raised $25.3 Million

On October 1, 2019, the Sanders campaign announced it had raised $25.3 million in the year's third quarter, with an average donation of $18, marking the largest quarterly sum raised by any Democratic candidate.

December 2019: Released letters from physicians

In December 2019, Sanders released letters from three physicians who declared him healthy and recovered from his heart condition.

2019: Support for Green New Deal legislation

In 2019, Bernie Sanders announced his support for the Green New Deal legislation and joined representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Earl Blumenauer in proposing legislation that would declare climate change a national and international emergency.

January 2020: Criticism of drone assassination of Qasem Soleimani

In January 2020, Sanders criticized the drone assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, calling it a dangerous escalation of tensions that could lead to an expensive war.

February 2020: Sanders Polling In First Place

From mid-February 2020 to the start of March, Sanders polled in first place in the Democratic primary ahead of Joe Biden and was described by the press as the party's presidential front-runner.

2020: "I am once again asking for your financial support" Meme

During the 2020 primary season, a still from a fundraising video in which Sanders says "I am once again asking for your financial support" went viral, spawning numerous online edits.

2020: Sanders Was Described As "No Longer An Underdog"

Given the high national profile that Sanders maintained since his 2016 campaign, NPR described him as "no longer an underdog" when he announced his 2020 campaign.

2020: Second Presidential Nomination Bid

In 2020, Sanders again sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. His strong showing in early primaries and caucuses made him the front-runner in a large field of Democratic candidates. He became a close ally of Joe Biden after the 2020 primaries.

2020: Voted to convict Trump on first impeachment

In 2020, Sanders voted to convict Trump on the articles of his first impeachment trial for pressuring a foreign leader to investigate Joe Biden.

2020: 2020 Presidential Campaign

In 2020, Sanders was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, finishing second. He became a close ally of Joe Biden after the primaries.

2020: Sanders Announces 2020 Presidential Run

On February 19, 2019, Sanders announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential nomination.

2020: Sanders Campaign Employed Many of the Same Methods

Sanders's 2020 campaign employed many of the same methods as its 2016 counterpart, eschewing a Super PAC and relying predominantly on small-dollar contributions.

January 6, 2021: Commented on the attack on the United States Capitol

On January 6, 2021, after Trump supporters attacked the United States Capitol, Sanders commented that Trump would "go down in history as the worst and most dangerous president in history."

February 23, 2021: Opposed Biden's cabinet pick

On February 23, 2021, Sanders opposed Tom Vilsack's confirmation as Agriculture Secretary, citing concerns about Vilsack's past work as a lobbyist and ties to large corporations.

March 11, 2021: Supported the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

On March 11, 2021, Sanders strongly supported Senate Democrats' decision to use budget reconciliation to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was later signed into law by Biden.

2021: Chairs Senate Budget Committee

From 2021 to 2023, Sanders chaired the Senate Budget Committee.

2021: Voted to convict Trump on second impeachment

In 2021, Sanders voted to convict Trump on the sole article of his second impeachment trial for inciting the Capitol attack.

2021: Inauguration Mittens Meme

In 2021, a photo of Bernie Sanders at Joe Biden's inauguration, seated in a folding chair wearing mittens, went viral, becoming a popular meme.

August 2022: Voted for Inflation Reduction Act

In August 2022, Sanders voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which capped insulin costs for seniors on Medicare and allowed Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, but he called it only a small step forward.

2022: Commented on the 2022 midterm election

Before the 2022 midterm election, Sanders commented on the fate of democracy, abortion, and climate change, calling it "the most consequential midterm election" of modern U.S. history.

2022: Vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson

In 2022, Bernie Sanders voted to confirm Joe Biden's nominee, Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court.

2022: Welch vs Malloy

In 2022, Gerald Malloy, who would eventually run against Sanders, ran against Senator Peter Welch.

April 2023: Endorsed Biden in the 2024 United States presidential election

In April 2023, Sanders endorsed Biden in the 2024 United States presidential election.

2023: Chairs Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

From 2023 to 2025, Sanders chaired the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

May 6, 2024: Announced candidacy for a fourth Senate term

On May 6, 2024, Sanders announced his candidacy for a fourth Senate term. He faced Republican nominee Gerald Malloy and was reelected.

2024: Re-election to U.S. Senate

In 2024, Sanders was reelected to the U.S. Senate.

2024: Trump's reelection in 2024

In 2024, Trump's reelection was met with consternation by Democrats.

2024: Endorsed Harris for president

In 2024, after Biden withdrew from the race, Sanders endorsed Harris for president at the Democratic National Convention.

2024: Value of Fine Adjusted for Inflation

In 2024, the $25 fine Sanders received in 1963 for resisting arrest during a demonstration is equivalent to $257.

2024: Signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to the Senate in 2024

In March 2019, Sanders signed the pledge the day after he signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to the Senate in 2024.

2024: Signed Paperwork to Run as Independent for Senate

News reports noted that the day before signing the Democratic Party Loyalty Pledge, Sanders had signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to his Senate seat in 2024.

2024: Opposition to Trump's Administration

Since Donald Trump's reelection as president in 2024, Sanders has vocally opposed Trump's administration.

February 2025: Began "Fight Oligarchy Tour" in late February 2025

Due to a tanking economy brought on by Trump's tariff-fueled trade war and the alleged corruption of Trump and Musk, Sanders began a "Fight Oligarchy Tour" in late February 2025.

March 2025: Praise for Trump's immigration policies

In a March 2025 interview, Bernie Sanders praised Trump for strengthening border immigration policies, while also criticizing mass deportation and calling for comprehensive immigration reform.