How Bernie Sanders Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

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

Bernard Sanders is a prominent American politician, serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Vermont and the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history. Although independent, he closely aligns with the Democratic Party, consistently caucusing with them and twice seeking their presidential nomination. Sanders is a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement, advocating for policies aimed at social and economic equality.

Sections (7)

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

1989: Left Mayor Office

In 1989, when Bernie Sanders left office as mayor, Bouricius, a member of the Burlington city council, commented that Sanders had "changed the entire nature of politics in Burlington and also in the state of Vermont".

2013: Burlington Ranked a Top Livable City

As of 2013, Burlington, where Bernie Sanders once served as mayor, was regarded as one of the most livable cities in the United States.

April 2016: Formation of Brand New Congress

In April 2016, former campaign staffers formed Brand New Congress, a political organization that works to elect congressional representatives with platforms in line with Sanders.

July 2016: Democratic Platform Drafted as Monument to Sanders' 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.

August 2016: Formation of Our Revolution

In August 2016, Sanders formed Our Revolution, a political organization dedicated to educating voters, involving people in politics, and electing progressive candidates.

November 2016: Publication of Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In

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

Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In

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2016: Suggested the Democratic Party undergo a series of reforms

After Trump's victory in the 2016 elections, Bernie Sanders suggested the Democratic Party undergo a series of reforms to become a grass-roots party of working people.

2016: Influence on the Democratic Party

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

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

In 2017, Bernie Sanders drew parallels between his campaign and that of the Labour Party in the 2017 UK general election, urging the Democrats to adopt a progressive manifesto.

2017: Analysis of Sanders Voters in 2016 General Election

In 2017, an 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.

April 2018: Shifting of the Democratic Party Politically Leftward

In April 2018, an opinion article in The Week suggested that the Democratic Party was admitting that Sanders was right, noting the increasing acceptance of his stances on healthcare, minimum wage, and free college tuition.

November 2018: Launch of Progressive International

In November 2018, the Sanders Institute and Yanis Varoufakis launched Progressive International, uniting progressive activists to transform the global order.

2018: Analysis of Media Narrative in 2016 Election

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

2022: Commented on the importance of the midterm elections

Before the 2022 midterm election, Bernie Sanders called it "the most consequential midterm election" of modern US history, viewing it as deciding the fate of democracy, abortion, and climate change.