How Bernie Sanders Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Bernie Sanders continue to shape the world today.

Bernard "Bernie" Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Vermont. As the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history, he has maintained a close relationship with the Democratic Party, caucusing with them in both the House and Senate. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in both 2016 and 2020. Sanders is widely considered a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement, advocating for policies such as Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a higher minimum wage.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1989: Bouricius on Sanders' impact

In 1989, upon Sanders leaving office, Bouricius, a member of the Burlington city council, stated that Sanders had "changed the entire nature of politics in Burlington and also in the state of Vermont".

2013: Burlington as one of the most livable cities in the United States

As of 2013, Burlington was regarded as one of the most livable cities in the United States.

April 2016: Formation of Brand New Congress

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

July 2016: Slate article calls Democratic platform draft a "monument to his campaign"

In July 2016, a Slate article called the Democratic platform draft "a monument to his campaign", noting his call for a $15 minimum wage and other campaign issues, indicating Sanders's significant influence on the Democratic platform.

August 2016: Sanders forms Our Revolution

In August 2016, Sanders formed Our Revolution, a political organization dedicated to educating voters 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

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2016: Influenced leftward shift in the Democratic Party

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

February 2017: Sanders begins webcasting "The Bernie Sanders Show"

In February 2017, Sanders began webcasting "The Bernie Sanders Show" on Facebook live streaming, featuring guests like William Barber and Josh Fox.

April 2, 2017: Guests on "The Bernie Sanders Show" on Facebook live streaming

On April 2, 2017, guests on "The Bernie Sanders Show" on Facebook live streaming included William Barber, Josh Fox, Jane Mayer, and Bill Nye.

April 2018: Opinion article suggests Democratic Party is admitting Sanders was right

In April 2018, an opinion article in The Week suggested that the Democratic Party is quietly admitting that Sanders was right, noting the increasing acceptance of his policy proposals.

November 2018: Launch of Progressive International

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

2018: Rachel Bitecofer's book discusses media narrative of 2016 election

In 2018, political scientist Rachel Bitecofer wrote in her book about the 2016 election 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.