Mittens have US smitten

Washington – Security was intense and the atmosphere muted without a large crowd, but Joe Biden’s inauguration still threw up some lighter moments.

Veteran left-winger Bernie Sanders, 79, was one of the scattering of guests, and the senator from Vermont made an instant impact on social media.

Huddled up on a folding chair, with arms crossed, wearing huge knitted mittens and a green coat to ward off the wintry conditions, Sanders watched his former rival become president.

Sanders, who arrived carrying a large brown envelope, was compared to a grandfather stopping on the way to the post office.

His wife, Jane O’Meara Sanders, embraced the look, tweeting “Vermont jacket, Vermont gloves, Vermont common sense!”

Once all the guests were seated, Lady Gaga, wearing a ball gown with a billowing red skirt, was escorted to sing the national anthem.

The pop star’s gown – designed by Schiaparelli – was quickly hailed as the perfect outfit to ensure social distancing.