Legal scholar Alan Dershowitz recently made headlines with his announcement that he is leaving the Democratic Party. Known for his liberal views, Dershowitz expressed his disgust with what he witnessed at the Democratic National Convention last month. In an interview with radio host Zev Brenner, Dershowitz described the convention as “the worst convention in American history” due to the number of speakers who openly oppose Israel.
Dershowitz specifically called out Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, describing her as a “miserable, anti-Zionist bigot.” He also criticized Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders, labeling them as “anti-Jewish.” According to Dershowitz, the Democratic Party gave legitimacy to anti-Israel arguments by allowing these individuals to speak at the convention.
The legal scholar expressed his deep disappointment with the Democratic National Convention, stating that he was “absolutely disgusted.” As a result, Dershowitz made the decision to leave the Democratic Party and become an independent. However, he didn’t disclose who he plans to vote for on Election Day. He explained that he will make his decision based on how the candidates handle issues such as Iran and their support for Israel.
Dershowitz emphasized the significance of giving platforms to individuals who make inflammatory statements about Israel. He argued that by doing so, the Democratic Party is essentially endorsing these views. This, he said, was the final straw for him, leading to his departure from the party.
It’s worth noting that Dershowitz had already faced criticism from the left for his defense of former President Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial. However, the Democratic National Convention served as the nail in the coffin for his affiliation with the party. He made it clear that he can no longer be associated with a party that features speakers like AOC, Al Sharpton, Liz Warren, and Bernie Sanders, stating, “That’s not my party.”
Dershowitz’s departure from the Democratic Party highlights the ongoing ideological divisions within American politics. As a renowned legal scholar, his decision carries weight and adds to the discourse surrounding the party’s stance on Israel and its relationship with progressive voices. The Democratic Party will have to grapple with the implications of losing a prominent figure like Dershowitz, as it seeks to maintain unity and appeal to a broad range of voters.
