Man with long white hair and beard at first Democratic debate sends internet into spin over Santa vs wizard theories

One person even called the audience member out as Vice President Joe Biden in disguise

The audience member quickly became an internet meme (CNN/Twitter)

Hilary Clinton’s emails, Bernie Sanders’ stance on gun control and Jim Webb’s “I’ve been waiting 10 minutes” complaint were all talking points after the first Democratic debate – but there was one moment that stole the show for Twitter users.

Audience members were filmed during the debate, which was broadcast live from Las Vegas by CNN on Tuesday night, and one man with long white hair and a long white beard wearing a T-shirt stood out from the rest of the crowd, who were in fairly formal attire.

The man unwittingly became an internet meme and the centre of jokes about Santa making an unexpected appearance at the debate, about the “Muggle problem” and even that he was Vice President Joe Biden in disguise.