The most talked about candidate of the debate was Bernie Sanders — by a long shot


Say what you want about Bernie Sanders, but nothing quite gets people talking like the 74-year-old senator from Vermont — not even the reigning king of Google searches, Donald Trump. Even though Trump was actively live-tweeting the Democratic debate on Tuesday, Sanders massively outpaced him in queries on the search engine.
But more significant than dethroning Trump was that Sanders piqued more interest than any of the other Democrats on stage, with searches and mentions spiking almost every time he opened his mouth, The Washington Post reports. The top searches, however, might not have been what Sanders' campaign was hoping for: "Bernie Sanders age," "How old is Bernie Sanders?" and "Is Bernie Sanders Jewish?" were all top questions.
Even so, the interest in the "democratic socialist" was undeniable across social media: Sanders had the most mentions on Facebook and, especially, Twitter, where he thoroughly crushed his opposition. According to Good Morning America, Sanders gained more than twice the number of followers earned by Clinton during the debate, and more than 10 times as many as the most lukewarm candidate on social media, Jim Webb.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While a Gallup poll in June showed that electing a "socialist" president was less appealing to the American public than the possibility of electing a woman, a Muslim, a gay or lesbian, an evangelical Christian, or an atheist, you know what they say: Times, they are a changin' — at least if the internet is any indicator.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Critics’ choice: Restaurants worthy of their buzz
feature A fun bistro, a reservation worth the wait, and a modern twist on Mexican dishes
By The Week US Published
-
Film reviews: Snow White, Death of a Unicorn, and The Alto Knights
Feature A makeover for Disney’s first animated feature, greedy humans earn nature’s wrath, and a feud between crime bosses rattles the mob
By The Week US Published
-
Bombs or talks: What’s next in the US-Iran showdown?
Talking Points US gives Tehran a two-month deadline to deal
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Sen. Booker's 25-hour speech beats Thurmond
Speed Read He spoke for the longest time in recorded Senate history, protesting the Trump administration's policies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Bondi seeks death penalty for Luigi Mangione
Speed Read Mangione was charged with fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Democrats win costly Wisconsin court seat
Speed Read Democrats prevailed in an election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court despite Elon Musk's robust financial support of the Republican candidate
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
WHCA rejects White House press seating grab
Speed Read The White House Correspondents' Association objected to the Trump administration's bid to control where journalists sit during press briefings
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump sends more migrants to El Salvador jail
Speed Read Another 17 Venezuelan alleged gang members have been deported to a notorious prison
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump 'not joking' about unconstitutional 3rd term
Speed Read The president seems to be serious about seeking a third term in 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
By The Week Staff Published
-
Supreme Court upholds 'ghost gun' restrictions
Speed Read Ghost guns can be regulated like other firearms
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published