Alan Dershowitz has severed his longstanding ties with the Democratic Party, citing deep-rooted discontent in a recent Newsmax interview.
At a Glance
- Alan Dershowitz announced his departure from the Democratic Party.
- He described 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 is undergoing internal conflict over the Israel-Hamas war.
Dershowitz’s Break From the Democratic Party
Alan Dershowitz, a well-recognized attorney and constitutional expert, has formally withdrawn his support from the Democratic National Committee (DNC). His announcement was met with surprise given his longstanding affiliation with the party. Dershowitz, known for his association with high-profile legal cases and his liberal stance, has attributed this decision to the DNC’s significant drift from its original values.
“I am no longer a Democrat. I am an independent,” Dershowitz declared.
In a candid discussion, Dershowitz expressed that recent decisions by the DNC have caused significant breaches from principled stances he believed defined the organization. He elaborated on his observations during the Democratic National Convention, which left him “disgusted” due to what he perceives as increasing antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments.
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
The Core of Dershowitz’s Decision
The attorney recounted his experiences during the Democratic National Convention, describing it as the “worst convention in American history.” He criticized the featured speakers, calling figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders indicative of deeper, concerning ideological shifts within the party. According to Dershowitz, “the worst part was the increasing prominence of anti-Zionist and anti-Israel rhetoric.”
“I was disgusted at the Democratic National Convention. Absolutely disgusted,” Dershowitz stated, pinpointing the event as a culmination of his disenchantment.
The attorney further criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not presiding over Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress, and he blasted the DNC’s platform as being “the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention” he had ever witnessed.
Internal Conflicts Within the Democratic Party
The Democratic Party faces heightened internal strife, particularly over its stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The conflict, which began with an attack by Hamas on October 7, has led to a devastating military response resulting in significant casualties in Gaza. Progressive factions within the party have been vocal in their criticism of the Biden administration for not reining in Netanyahu’s actions.
Prominent Jewish leaders have reported a troubling rise in antisemitism within progressive movements, intensifying the fractures within the party. This discontent is mirrored by Dershowitz’s exit, as he expressed that the Democratic Party’s tolerance of anti-Zionist rhetoric was a step too far.
Dershowitz’s Loyalty and Future Path
Dershowitz has been a consistent Democratic voter since JFK, making his departure particularly notable. Although he continues to criticize both major political parties, he stated that Republicans have, to an extent, better marginalized their extremist elements compared to the Democrats.
“I’m leaving a party that has embraced censorship and developed socialist leanings,” Dershowitz noted.
Dershowitz remains hope that the Democratic Party will one day return to its core values. Until then, he prefers to identify as an independent, evaluating candidates based on their positions on pivotal issues such as U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and support for Israel.
