Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders' campaign has thrived on pushing one theme repeatedly: That he's not part of the "establishment." The epithet implies the candidate's greater concerns are with already powerful associations.

That's why the Vermont senator's characterization of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paints her as a definite member of the establishment.

But in an interview last night with Chris Hayes, Sanders' top aide Tad Devine said Bernie Sanders is a part of the establishment – something Sanders supporters are buzzing about today …

Here's what happened…

Top Aide Accidentally Admits Sanders Is Part of the Establishment

CHRIS HAYES: Isn't it the case that the median Democratic voter has a positive feeling about the Democratic Party and particularly the person who sits atop the establishment, which is the most powerful person in the free world, Barack Obama? TAD DEVINE: Sure, and listen, Bernie Sanders has been part of that as a member of the caucus of the United States House and Senate for 25 years.

Devine then tried to backtrack his statement, claiming that Sanders is not a part of the establishment.

Sanders' campaign shouldn't try to kid itself or its supporters. While an Independent in theory and name, Sanders caucuses with the Democrats. And he has not faced a Democratic opponent in a general election since Larry Drown in 2004. More evidence of Bernie's establishment ties can be found in a May 25, 2015, report from The New York Times that revealed he and Clinton voted the same way 93% of the time when in Congress together.

More recently, The New York Times noted on Jan. 28 that despite Sanders' anti-"big money" rhetoric, he has had more funds spent on him by super PACs than any other Democratic candidate this cycle. One labor union super PAC has spent nearly $1 million so far. The Supreme Court's 2010 "Citizens United" ruling permitted labor unions and big corporations alike to spend on political campaigning. Therefore, Bernie's unions represent part of the Democratic establishment as much as any of those endorsing Clinton.

What do you think – is Sanders part of the establishment?

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