It was quite chilly during President Joe Biden's inauguration, but that wasn't a problem for Senator Bernie Sanders, who knew exactly how to dress for the weather.
The Vermont senator's iconic pose made waves as Sanders perched on a chair with his legs crossed during the ceremony. Photographer Brendon Smialowski captured the image, which then went viral almost immediately.
Sanders was photoshopped into every possible scenario, from films to paintings to Where's Waldo? Thankfully, the photo op became something even greater, thanks to Sanders and his team.
Some of my favorite Bernie Sanders sightings today: pic.twitter.com/Pxta5BO7Uu
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) January 21, 2021
The image was quickly added to a line of merchandise on Sanders' website, with all proceeds benefitting Vermont-based charities, such as Meals on Wheels and senior citizen advocacy groups.
Sweatshirts, t-shirts, and stickers sold out in under 30 minutes, and all other merchandise was snapped up soon afterward.
In the span of 5 days, Sanders reported that they had raised around $1.8 million for charity.
"We're glad we can use my internet fame to help Vermonters in need," he said.
Jen Ellis, the Vermont elementary school teacher who knit Sanders' famous mittens, reported that "the mitten frenzy" had overwhelmed her.