Bernard "Bernie" Sanders is an American politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Vermont since 2007. Born on September 8, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Sanders attended Brooklyn College before transferring to the University of Chicago, where he graduated with a degree in political science. He also spent time studying at the University of Vermont.

Sanders began his political career in Vermont, where he served as mayor of Burlington from 1981 to 1989. During his time as mayor, he gained a reputation as a progressive leader, implementing policies to revitalize the city and improve the quality of life for its residents. In 1991, Sanders was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served for 16 years before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006.

As a senator, Sanders has continued to champion progressive causes, advocating for policies to address income inequality, climate change, healthcare reform, and campaign finance reform. He is known for his outspoken criticism of corporate influence in politics and his calls for a "political revolution" to mobilize grassroots support for progressive change.

Sanders gained national prominence during his 2016 presidential campaign, where he ran as a Democrat and challenged Hillary Clinton for the party's nomination. Despite facing an uphill battle, Sanders' campaign resonated with a broad base of supporters, particularly young voters and progressives who were attracted to his message of economic and social justice.

In 2020, Sanders once again ran for president, this time as a frontrunner in the Democratic primary. Although he ultimately suspended his campaign and endorsed Joe Biden, Sanders' influence on the party and the national political discourse was undeniable. He has since continued to be a vocal advocate for progressive policies within the Senate, working to push the Democratic Party to embrace a more left-leaning agenda.

Throughout his career, Sanders has been known for his integrity, consistency, and unwavering commitment to his principles. His grassroots fundraising efforts and refusal to take money from corporate PACs have made him a symbol of political independence and authenticity. Despite his age and decades-long career in politics, Sanders remains a tireless advocate for working-class Americans and marginalized communities, using his platform to fight for a more just and equitable society.