Throwback photos of politicians that will make you do a double-take
Everybody loves a good #ThrowbackThursday, right?
Even U.S. politicians like to get in on the action by posting old pictures on their social media accounts.
Some poke fun at themselves, while others leave a more sentimental quote to mark the occasion. Either way, their loyal followers can’t get enough.
Click through to see before and after pictures of famous politicians you’ve known for years, but probably won’t recognize.
Guess who?
This picture was taken in 1959 -- the day this famous politician graduated James Madison High School in Brooklyn, New York. He was the captain of the track team back then. Any guesses?
Sen. Bernie Sanders
It’s Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, of course! Sanders ran in the Democratic presidential primary in 2016 but remains officially Independent. “There needs to be a profound change in the way the Democratic Party does business. It is not good enough to have a liberal elite,” Sanders said in an interview on “CBS This Morning” days after the election.
Guess who?
A mid-20s flashback: This well-known political figure loved to wear short-sleeve button downs, and claims they’re “making a comeback.”
Vide President Joe Biden
Now, as vice president of the United States, Joe Biden is more often seen in a suit and tie as he sits alongside his friend and colleague, President Barack Obama.
Guess who?
Like mother, like daughter: This politician (left) said her mom wanted her to be a nun. Clearly, she had different plans.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California is now House Minority Leader.
Guess who?
This photograph was taken 35 years ago, the day this politician graduated from the University of Missouri. Fun fact: He graduated a year early.
Sen. Tim Kaine
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who ran as the Democratic vice presidential nominee alongside Hillary Clinton in 2016, used the old photo to bring up the topic of education. “I’ve tended to focus on things like education strategy and investments,” said Kaine, describing his time as governor.
Guess who?
This politician and civil rights icon often reflects on older times. A year after this photo was posted , he shared a picture of his first arrest on February 27, 1960, in Nashville, Tennessee. “I felt free. I felt liberated. I felt like I crossed over,” he wrote.
Rep. John Lewis
Today, Democratic U.S. Rep. John Lewis is being honored for his dedication to civil rights. On Sept. 19, 2016, Lewis was presented with the Liberty Medal during a ceremony in Philadelphia.
Guess who?
There’s nothing quite like a college throwback -- at least, that’s what this professor-turned-politician says.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren jumped into the spotlight this year as she frequently stumped for Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton and clashed with Donald Trump. “Nasty women are tough. Nasty women are smart,” Warren exclaimed at a campaign event in late October.
Guess who?
How... sweet? This politician shared this picture on his Facebook page as a tribute to his wife on their anniversary, adding, “Thanks for standing by me all these years... even when I forgot to post on your birthday yesterday.”
Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura
Hopefully, former President George W. Bush made it up to the former first lady. Our guess: he has.
Guess who?
Check out that attire! Well, the future politician (right) didn’t want to be the focus of this photo, but honestly, how could he not? He posted the picture of his parents in honor of his mother, whom he called a “great beauty and a wonderful person.”
President-elect Donald Trump
For years, Donald Trump suggested that he was going to run for office. In the 2016 race, he finally took the plunge, and on Nov. 9, he won the title president-elect.
Guess who?
There’s nothing quite like an ‘80s flashback -- complete with a perm and patterned sweater. The daughter of the famous female politician pictured here shared this precious photo for her parents’ wedding anniversary. The mom seemed to approve, retweeting a writeup of the post online.
Former GOP vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin and her husband Todd
Former Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin and her husband Todd have been through a lot as a family. From Palin running for vice president to Todd recovering from injuries he suffered in a snowmobile accident in Alaska in March 2016, they’ve had their ups and downs.
Guess who?
Another couples throwback! This one’s probably pretty easy, considering there was a 2016 movie about the famous pair based on their love story.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were the picture of happiness at his 2008 inagural ball.. The pair are now spending their final months in the White House getting ready for “retirement.”
Guess who?
Hey, cowboy! This politician and veteran (seen on the right) shared this epic throwback photo on Instagram. Do you recognize him?
Sen. John McCain
Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) was the 2008 Republican presidential nominee and is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Guess who?
This power couple showed off their country side with this throwback picture. Her Dolly Parton look was temporary, just dress-up for a theme party.
Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State, former U.S. Senator, first lady, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, wife and mother... the titles go on and on. Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton both have impressive resumes, and their partnership goes way back.
Guess who?
“Look at that sweater (and hair)!” Hey, I didn’t say it, he did! The now governor said his friend dug up this high school throwback, so of course he had to share.
Gov. Chris Christie
Not only did Chris Christie become governor of New Jersey, but he’s also hoping to land a role in Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
Guess who?
This photo was taken in Georgia in 1978. He captioned it: “Rookie debate year. ‘Franklys’ were not fundamental at this time.”
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has long been a powerful Republican voice in politics. Gingrich, a vice-chair of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, told CBS News’ “Face the Nation” that Mr. Trump needs to have a “very, very aggressive first year.”
Guess who?
This politician is almost unrecognizable in this black and white image. Perhaps that was his goal.
Minority Leader Harry Reid
That rebel with a cause grew up to become Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), who’s retiring after 33 years in Congress.
Guess who?
This vintage picture goes way back to early childhood. So, any guesses as to who this pigtail-wearing cutie is?
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
If you guessed Condoleezza Rice, congratulations! Rice shared the photo of herself, originally sitting next to her father. “He had wanted me to be his ‘All-American linebacker,’ and had I been a son instead of a daughter, I think I might have done it,” Rice once told “CBS Sunday Morning.”