Bernie Sanders Administers Oath to New York City Mayor
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) made a notable appearance at New York City Hall on Thursday, where he administered the oath of office to Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Interestingly, he was not wearing the iconic mittens that garnered so much attention during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
During his inaugural address, Sanders identified himself as a “democratic socialist,” stating, “I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist,” while swearing in Mamdani. This moment was a stark contrast to the image that turned Sanders into a pop culture phenomenon four years ago, when his photo in a winter coat and homemade mittens went viral.
Before taking the formal oath, Sanders delivered a lengthy speech praising Mamdani’s campaign and policies, describing the election as a repudiation of the political establishment.
Mamdani is the first New York City mayor to be sworn in using the Quran.
Sanders remarked that the volunteers who supported Mamdani’s campaign had taken on significant opponents, including the Democratic and Republican establishments, the sitting president, and wealthy donors.
He also defended what some might call “radical” policies, like affordable housing and free child care, asserting they are essential in “the richest country in the history of the world.”
After formally taking the oath around 2:40 p.m., the crowd erupted in chants of “Zoran.”
Socialist Mayor Mamdani Takes Office with Support from Sanders and AOC
Mamdani pledged that City Hall would “govern broadly and boldly,” aiming to implement policies like rent freezes, universal child care, free bus services, and increased taxes on the affluent.
While Sanders’ fashion choice at Biden’s inauguration captured widespread attention, it was a moment that transcended mere attire. The viral photo of Sanders with his mittens became emblematic of the event, inspiring countless memes and merchandise sales.
At Thursday’s inauguration, Sanders was seen in the audience, patient as Lucy Dacus performed the socialist anthem “Bread and Roses.” His outfit this time? A blue beanie, standard winter gloves, and a fluffy green coat.
The mittens, which sparked such a frenzy, were crafted by Jen Ellis, a Vermont schoolteacher. In a 2022 interview, she noted that the sensation surrounding the mittens had raised roughly $2 million for Vermont charities through various initiatives.
