How Bernie Sanders Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

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

Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician, currently serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Vermont. As the longest-serving independent in Congress, he closely aligns with the Democratic Party, having caucused with them and actively sought their presidential nomination in both 2016 and 2020. He is widely regarded as a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement, advocating for policies aimed at social and economic justice.

Sections (7)

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

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.

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".

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

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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.

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.

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.

August 2016: Formation of Our Revolution

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

2016: Influence on Democratic Party

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

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: 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.

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.

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.