Ben and Jerry supporting Bernie
Bernie Sanders’ Instagram, @BernieSanders, was started when Sanders announced his candidacy, and since then, has posted pictures about twice a week. The Instagram mixes pictures of Sanders himself, both serious and funny, and pictures of his supporters. The photos of the candidate are often lighthearted–he has pictures going trick or treating with kids, with celebrities such as Ellen Degeneres, Ben and Jerry, and the doctor from Back to the Future, and himself as a young man.
Though many of Sanders’ Instagram posts are lighthearted and fun, many others channel a serious and direct tone, diving quickly into the issues. The Instagram has several posts showing citizens who are supporting Sanders, and explaining why they support him.
Many of Sanders’ Instagram posts feature quotes from events he’s spoken at. The quotes are usually relatively short, but still convey powerful messages, such as “If you work 40 hours a week, you have a right not to live in poverty.” Even the description is direct and politically loaded: “I believe America is ready for a new path to the future.”
Sanders’ Instagram walks the line between trying to convey Sanders’ platform and trying to make the candidate seem accessible. The funny pictures keep with Sanders’ image as an old man, but also make him likable. Pictures of Sanders’ supporters on Instagram portray people of many sexual orientations and races, which fits with his image as the the people’s candidate.
The #BernieSanders hashtag is used mostly in support of Sanders. There are many pictures of people’s campaign bumper stickers, pictures outlining Sanders’ issues, or pointing out other candidates’ flaws. The anti-Sanders posts are usually along the lines of saying that socialism doesn’t work or just saying that Sanders is not a valid candidate. The overwhelming majority of the posts are in favor of Sanders, and seem to truly be passionate about Sanders platform.
Connect with Bernie Sanders on Instagram!