Alan Dershowitz, renowned attorney and constitutional scholar, has officially cut ties with the Democratic Party.
At a Glance
- Alan Dershowitz announced his departure from the Democratic Party.
- He criticized the Democratic National Convention as “the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention” he has experienced.
- The announcement was made on the Talkline With Zev Brenner podcast.
- The Democratic Party faces internal conflict over the Israel-Hamas war.
- Progressive campaigners criticize the Biden administration for lack of control over Israeli actions.
Longstanding Ties Severed
Alan Dershowitz’s split from the Democratic Party comes as no small decision. Known for his influential role in American legal and political circles, Dershowitz expressed intense dissatisfaction with recent actions by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) during a Newsmax interview.
His criticism focused on a perceived departure from fundamental democratic principles which, he argues, is exemplified by the DNC’s handling of pro-Israel issues.
Dershowitz described the latest Democratic National Convention as the “most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention” he has ever experienced. His disenchantment with the party escalated amidst ongoing conflicts relating to the Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7 with a significant attack by Hamas on southern Israel.
Conversely, Israel’s military response has resulted in over 40,000 deaths according to Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. This complicated geopolitical issue has only exacerbated the internal fractures within the Democratic Party.
Alan Dershowitz said Sunday on Newsmax that he now regards himself as an independent after the platform at the Democratic National Convention, but he hasn't decided how he'll vote in the upcoming election. https://t.co/WddmYsAWXY
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) September 9, 2024
Growing Anti-Israel Sentiments
According to Dershowitz, the Democratic National Convention allowed speakers who were overly critical of Israel, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders.
Sanders, despite being born into a Jewish family, has identified himself as “proud to be Jewish,” yet his positions on Israel represent a significant shift from where the party stood during Dershowitz’s early involvement. Dershowitz remarked, “I was disgusted at the Democratic National Convention. Absolutely disgusted.” “I am no longer a Democrat. I am an independent.” – Alan Dershowitz
Add to this the criticism that Vice President Kamala Harris did not preside over Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress. Dershowitz argued that the Democratic Party has legitimized anti-Israel arguments by granting platforms to such speakers.
Moreover, the progressive wing of the party has shown increasing hostility toward Israel, further alienating traditional liberal Democrats like Dershowitz.
A Period of Reevaluation
Dershowitz’s departure from the Democratic Party wasn’t an impulsive decision. He has represented controversial clients from various political backgrounds, including O.J. Simpson, Harvey Weinstein, and Donald Trump, showcasing his principle-driven legal career.
However, the Democratic Party’s perceived embrace of censorship, anti-Israel sentiment, and socialist leanings have pushed him to the edge. He mentioned that he remains hopeful the party might return to its foundational values in the future.
Dershowitz remains undecided about whom he will support in the upcoming elections. His primary focus is on candidates’ positions regarding Iran and their support for Israel, issues he deems crucial in the current global political climate. Notably, he criticized the party’s apparent sidelining of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, suggesting it was due to his Jewish identity.
His departure signifies a larger trend, as many liberals are reportedly reconsidering their allegiance to the Democratic Party. Dershowitz reiterated that while he has criticisms of both major political parties, he believes the Republicans have better controlled their extremist factions. This divorce from the Democratic Party underscores his commitment to principles over partisan politics.
