Alan Dershowitz’s break from the Democratic Party leaves many questioning the party’s core values and future direction.
At a Glance
- Alan Dershowitz announced his departure from the Democratic Party.
- Criticized the Democratic National Convention as the “most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention” he has experienced.
- The Democratic Party faces internal conflict over the Israel-Hamas war.
- Prominent Jewish leaders report a rise in antisemitism within progressive movements.
Dershowitz’s Break from the Democratic Party
Alan Dershowitz, a renowned lawyer and constitutional scholar, has announced his departure from the Democratic Party, stating his disillusionment with the party’s perceived shift away from democratic values. Dershowitz made this declaration during an interview on Newsmax, highlighting the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) ideological changes as the primary reason for his decision.
The announcement was made on the “Talkline With Zev Brenner” podcast, where Dershowitz expressed his frustration with the party’s stance on Israel and other issues. He described the recent Democratic National Convention as the “most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention” he has attended. Such remarks illustrate his deep dissatisfaction with the party’s current direction.
The Democratic Party is currently experiencing significant internal conflict over the Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7 with an attack by Hamas on southern Israel. The resulting military response has led to over 40,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. Progressive campaigners have criticized the Biden administration for not controlling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions, further exposing rifts within the party.
Rising Antisemitism and Internal Conflict
Dershowitz’s criticisms are not isolated. Prominent Jewish leaders have reported a rise in antisemitism within progressive movements. Dershowitz specifically criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not presiding over Netanyahu’s address to Congress. He also expressed disgust towards Democratic figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, calling the convention “the worst convention in American history.”
“I am no longer a Democrat. I am an independent.” – Alan Dershowitz
Adding to the complexity, Alan Dershowitz has been a longtime liberal Democrat, having voted for every Democratic presidential candidate since JFK. However, his frustrations have pushed him over the edge, and he now remains undecided about whom to support in the future elections. Dershowitz emphasized he will focus on how candidates deal with Iran and support Israel before making his decision.
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
A Hope for Return to Democratic Roots
Dershowitz’s departure raises critical questions about the Democratic Party’s direction and core values. He believes that the Democratic Party has embraced anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments, a stance he finds increasingly intolerable. He criticized the party for embracing censorship and adopting socialist leanings from figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“I was disgusted at the Democratic National Convention. Absolutely disgusted.” – Alan Dershowitz
Despite his departure, Dershowitz remains hopeful that the Democratic Party might return to its roots. He acknowledges criticisms of both political parties but argues that Republicans have better managed to marginalize their extremist factions. As a civil libertarian, Dershowitz opposes what he perceives as the Democrats’ double standards on free speech and civil liberties, highlighting the party’s drifting away from traditional liberal values.
