A PHOTO of a "nervous" Bernie Sanders sitting in first class has taken flight on Twitter.

Sanders, coming off a big victory in the New Hampshire primary, can be seen wearing a cap as he seemingly stares into the camera in the selfie taken by fellow passenger Hank Thomas.

A nervous democratic socialist in first class. #FeelTheBern pic.twitter.com/XbONXNBZNn — Hank Thomas (@HankThomasDC) February 13, 2020

5 The businessman also tweeted a picture of an empty first-class cabin Credit: Twitter

Thomas, the CEO of Strategic Cyber Ventures, appears to be sitting at least one row in front of Sanders on the other side of the aisle.

"A nervous democratic socialist in first class. #FeelTheBern," Thomas captioned the photo on Twitter yesterday.

The image of Sanders, who often rails against the "1 per cent," has been shared more than 12,000 times and has received 40,000 likes on Twitter.

Thomas also posted a picture of a spacious empty first class cabin of an American Eagle plane, believed to be the same model that he and Sanders flew.

The 78-year-old Sanders was ridiculed by some users, including one who wrote, "can anyone imagine that scared little weasel as leader of the free world?

"He looks so sneaky and feeble!"

5 Sanders relishes his New Hampshire victory Credit: AFP or licensors

5 Bernie Sanders speaks to reporters after boarding a plane in Iowa earlier this month Credit: Getty Images - Getty

5 Sanders is the frontrunner in the Democratic race so far Credit: AP:Associated Press

Others criticized Thomas and came to the defense of the frontrunning Democrat.

"What I see hear is a nervous venture capitalist worried that he will soon be taxed fairly so that others can be able to live past 35," one user wrote.

Thomas, who hails from Washington, DC, and has 4,000 Twitter followers, tried to clear the air today.

"For the record: I have no ill will against @SenSanders or his political beliefs," he wrote.

"The intention was for humorous discourse. The photo is 100 per cent authentic

"Our country is far too polarized."

The follow-up tweet was pinned to Thomas' profile.

5 Sanders suffered a heart attack last year, but is believed to be in good health as he keeps up a rigorous travel schedule Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Sanders, often referred to as a socialist who regularly blasts the wealthy, was also scrutinized for flying first-class on a flight over the summer.

The Vermont senator suffered a attack last year, but is said to be in good health.

Five years ago his supporters launched a social media campaign that boasted of Sanders' propensity to fly with them, according to CNN.

"Bernie Sanders flies coach," one Twitter user wrote.

"He respects the money you give him enough to spend it wisely. This more than anything shows he is just an ordinary guy that anyone can relate to."

Rival Elizabeth Warren has also been criticized after she was recorded getting off a private plane earlier this month.

She was blasted after arriving in Des Moines ahead of the Iowa caucuses.

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Sanders would lose the Democratic primary to Hillary Clinton in 2016, but he is at the top of the crowded Dem pack following the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary.

"We are gonna win because we have the agenda that speaks to the needs of working people across this country," Sanders said Tuesday in New Hampshire.

Sanders edged Pete Buttigieg in the New Hampshire voting.

Bernie Sanders promises to help people on low incomes in Nevada town hall speech

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