Fashion enforcement authorities might still be upset, but the vogue-violating, mittens-donning Bernie Sanders is making a mint!
Remember the ultra-social distancing Vermont Senator from President Joe Biden's inauguration that unleashed a torrent of memes last week?
The "sulking Sanders," quipped some online! But the seasoned politician repurposed personal jokes into public good.
The 79-year-old announced on Wednesday that his team has raked in a whopping $1.8 million through the sales of merchandise featuring him wearing cozy knit mittens.
The money would go to welfare schemes like Vermont operations of Meals on Wheels, a meal delivery program to meet the daily needs of the home-bound elderly.
Meme-inspired Bernie merchandise. /Bernie Campaign Store official website
Meme-inspired Bernie merchandise. /Bernie Campaign Store official website
"Jane and I were amazed by all the creativity shown by so many people over the last week, and we're glad we can use my internet fame to help Vermonters in need," Sanders said in a statement.
A Bernie Sanders Star Wars meme tweeted by Hollywood actor Mark Hamill. /@HamillHimself
A Bernie Sanders Star Wars meme tweeted by Hollywood actor Mark Hamill. /@HamillHimself
Screenshot of an Instagram post on Bernie Sanders' meme. /@Chinawentis
Screenshot of an Instagram post on Bernie Sanders' meme. /@Chinawentis
Screenshot of a tweet on Bernie Sanders' meme. /@ZhouMarrian
Screenshot of a tweet on Bernie Sanders' meme. /@ZhouMarrian
Screenshot of a tweet on Bernie Sanders' meme. /@clovbutera
Screenshot of a tweet on Bernie Sanders' meme. /@clovbutera
Bernie the doll
But it's not just t-shirts and sweatshirts. Bernie is also a crocheted doll! Available on ebay, an online shopping portal, the doll was first created by Tobey King from Texas. The little old man raised $40,000 in an auction, proceeds from which will also go to charity. King is an artist who has been supporting her family by selling dolls since COVID-19 pandemic rendered her husband unemployed.
Screenshot of ebay selling Bernie Sanders' dolls. /ebay.com
Screenshot of ebay selling Bernie Sanders' dolls. /ebay.com
Screenshot of a tweet about Bernie Sanders' doll. /@sandyhunter2
Screenshot of a tweet about Bernie Sanders' doll. /@sandyhunter2
Grab your Bernie favorites now!
(Cover: A Bernie Sanders doll on sale on ebay (L), Bernie Sanders meme-inspired T-shirt (R). /Bernie Campaign Store official website