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 and activist currently serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Vermont. Notably, he holds the record for the longest tenure as an independent in U.S. Congressional history. While maintaining his independent status, Sanders has consistently aligned with the Democratic Party, caucusing with them in both the House and Senate throughout much of his career. He twice sought the Democratic presidential nomination, in 2016 and 2020, and is considered a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement due to his promotion of policies addressing economic inequality and social justice.
1989: Changed the nature of politics in Burlington
In 1989, upon Sanders leaving office, 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
As of 2013, Burlington was regarded as one of the most livable cities in the United States.
November 2015: Speech at Georgetown University on Democratic Socialism
In November 2015, Bernie Sanders delivered a speech at Georgetown University, outlining his perspective on democratic socialism, drawing parallels with policies of presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson. He defined his version of "democratic socialism," emphasizing that he doesn't advocate for government control of private businesses but believes in a decent standard of living for the middle class and working families.
April 2016: Brand New Congress formed by former campaign staffers
In April 2016, former campaign staffers formed Brand New Congress to elect congressional representatives aligned with Sanders's platform.
July 2016: Democratic platform draft called a monument to Sanders's 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: Sanders forms Our Revolution political organization
In August 2016, Sanders formed Our Revolution, a political organization dedicated to educating voters and electing progressive candidates.
November 2016: Sanders's book released, becomes a best seller
In November 2016, Sanders's book 'Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In' was released and became a New York Times Best Seller.
2016: Shift in Democratic Party
After his 2016 presidential campaign, Sanders is credited with influencing a leftward shift in the Democratic Party.
April 2018: The Democratic Party is admitting that Sanders was right
In April 2018, an opinion article suggested that the Democratic Party was admitting that Sanders was right and the increasing acceptance of his national single-payer health-care program.
November 2018: Sanders Institute launches Progressive International
In November 2018, the Sanders Institute and Yanis Varoufakis launched Progressive International, uniting progressive activists and organizations.
2020: "I am once again asking" 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 online.
2021: Inauguration Mittens Meme
In 2021, a frame from the inauguration of Joe Biden showing Sanders seated in a folding chair wearing patterned mittens went viral, being edited into various images.
