10 Things You Didn’t Know About Bernie Sanders

He’s clinging to dear life, but Bernie Sanders is still vying for the Democratic nomination against Hillary Clinton in the 2016 US presidential election. Early in the race, Sanders seemed to pick up steam with millennials as he promised to fight major corporations and help those that are struggling with money. His socialism then became his downfall, when reports started coming out that he was a “bum” and lived paycheck-to-paycheck while stealing electricity from others and barely holding any jobs in his past. Here are some other unique facts that you didn’t know about the possible presidential candidate.

Arrested Fighting For Civil Rights

Sanders has been an activist, joining rallies and even getting himself arrested during a civil rights movement in Chicago.

Grew Up Reading Karl Marx

It’s pretty clear that Sanders has socialistic values, so it should be no surprise that he spent a lot of his childhood reading the works of one of the most famous socialists.

Refused To Fight In War

A conscientious objector is someone who refuses to bear arms due to religious or moral reasons, and Sanders filed for that when he was eligible during the Vietnam War era. The application was ultimately rejected because he was too old anyway.

Already Lost In HIgh School

If Sanders miraculously got the Democratic bid to run for president and lost, it wouldn’t be the first time he lost an election. He lost the fight to be the president of his student body in high school.

Was A Good Athlete

Not winning the student body presidential position was only a chip in a successful high school career. Sanders was actually a track star, being the captain of the cross country team. He also played basketball, and ended up being really good at it.

First Position As Mayor In Vermont

When Sanders was finally successful, his first stint was being elected as the mayor of Burlington, Vermont, for four terms. He won the election by just 10 votes.

Brother Is Also Into Politics

Sanders’ brother, Larry, tried for the British Parliament in the United Kingdom in 2015. He failed to earn a bid, but had longshot odds to even get it.

Already Married Twice

The politician has been married to Deborah Messing and Jane O’Meara, who he’s currently married to. Messing shouldn’t be confused with actress Debra Messing, who wasn’t even born (1968) when Sanders split up with Deborah (1966).

First Non-Christian To Win Primary

Sanders currently doesn’t practice under an organized religion, but he did grow up Jewish going to Hebrew school and having a Bar Mitzvah.

Has Own Ice Cream Flavor

“Bernie’s Yearning” was created by Ben & Jerry’s cofounder, Ben Cohen. The treat is made by putting mint ice cream on top of a thin, solid chocolate circle.