Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary

Title: Alan Dershowitz Melts Down Over...Pierogies? (w/ Max Tani)
Release Date: August 9, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Description: Bulwark Takes delivers concise insights on daily news from The Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, Bill Kristol, and more.

1. Introduction to the Episode and Topic

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sam Stein engages in a lively discussion with Alan Dershowitz and Max Tani about a recent public confrontation involving Dershowitz at a local pierogi stand in Martha's Vineyard. The episode delves into the specifics of the incident, the broader context of Dershowitz's contentious interactions within the community, and the ensuing media attention.

2. The Great Pierogi Debate

The conversation opens with a seemingly light-hearted discussion about the perfect snack, where Max Tani emphasizes the importance of convenience and craving satisfaction. This segues into a playful promotion of AM PM, highlighting the idea of "cravenience"—a blend of craving and convenience (00:00 - 00:21).

Key Quote:

Max Tani (00:19): "What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much. Good stuff."

3. Background of Alan Dershowitz's Local Conflicts

Sam Stein introduces the central issue: Alan Dershowitz's ongoing confrontations at Martha's Vineyard, notably his recent altercation with a pierogi vendor. This isn't an isolated incident; Dershowitz has a history of disputes within the community, including conflicts with local libraries and previous altercations with public figures like Larry David.

Key Quote:

Sam Stein (02:26): "This is about Alan Dershowitz and his maniacal need to create scenes on Martha's Vineyard every summer. There's always some drama with that guy."

4. The Confrontation: Transcript Highlights

The heart of the episode features a detailed playback and analysis of the confrontation between Alan Dershowitz and Krem Meskovich, the co-owner of Good Pierogi.

Key Exchange:

• Krem Meskovich (04:42): "To restore community and to ask you to sell me pierogi in the interest of keeping the island together. So we don't have one for anti Zionists and one for people who sell categories. So I'd ask you to please just sell me any one of your products to show that you're prepared to sell to anybody and not allow your anti Zionism to decide which people will love your."

• Unnamed Pierogi Vendor (05:33): "This man is calling me an anti Zionist."

• Krem Meskovich (08:01): "They protested the Jewish culture festival last year, which had nothing to do with Israel or Zionism. It was just Jewish food, Jewish music, Jewish art, and you protested it. And the rabbi said that was an anti Semitic act. Do you disagree with that?"

• Unnamed Pierogi Vendor (08:03): "Pierogies are business and kremisky, which is me. And I really do not appreciate what you've been sharing in the last week since."

Analysis: Dershowitz accuses the vendor of anti-Semitism due to past protests against Jewish cultural events, while the vendor refutes these claims, highlighting a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of his actions.

5. Analysis and Commentary

Sam Stein and Alan Dershowitz dissect the interaction, questioning the motives behind Dershowitz's actions. They speculate whether Dershowitz is seeking media attention or genuinely addressing grievances.

Key Insights:

• Dershowitz's Pattern: Consistent behavior of seeking confrontations to make a statement or garner attention.
• Vendor's Position: Krem Meskovich operates a small, well-reviewed pierogi stand, seemingly unaffected in business terms despite the confrontation.
• Community Response: Mixed reactions with increased media coverage possibly boosting the vendor's visibility.

6. Media and Community Impact

The episode highlights how the confrontation has attracted significant media attention, including coverage by Boston.com and the Martha's Vineyard Times. Despite the negative exchange, the pierogi stand may benefit from increased public interest and patronage.

Key Quote:

Alan Dershowitz (15:54): "We have the Martha's Vineyard Times, which I think every summer has a different Alan Dershowitz multi day long story to follow."

7. Sam Stein's Reporting and Follow-up

Sam Stein discusses his efforts to obtain a statement from Dershowitz, revealing Dershowitz's vague response regarding potential legal actions against the farmer's market for refusing service. Stein emphasizes the ongoing nature of the story and promises to keep listeners updated.

Key Quote:

Sam Stein (13:45): "I texted Alan Dershowitz to ask him, you know, about, about this, in this incident. I texted him last night around 11:30pm you know, in preparation for this."

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on Dershowitz's persistent conflicts within Martha's Vineyard, his ability to draw media attention, and the broader implications for community cohesion. Despite multiple confrontations, Dershowitz continues to seek the spotlight, often leaving local businesses and community members to navigate the fallout.

Final Thoughts:

• Dershowitz's Influence: His actions consistently impact local businesses and community relations.
• Community Resilience: Local businesses like Good Pierogi maintain their reputation and customer base despite high-profile disputes.
• Future Developments: The situation remains fluid with potential legal implications and ongoing media scrutiny.

Transcript Timestamps

• [00:00-00:21]: Introduction and discussion about the perfect snack.
• [00:30-01:13]: Transition to the main topic: Dershowitz and pierogies.
• [01:26-02:26]: Discussion on pierogi preferences and Dershowitz's confrontational history.
• [03:08-05:04]: Detailed playback of the confrontation at Good Pierogi stand.
• [05:04-11:08]: Analysis of the exchange, including accusations of anti-Semitism.
• [11:30-15:54]: Discussion on media coverage and community impact.
• [15:54-18:56]: Sam Stein's reporting efforts and reflections on the situation.
• [18:56-19:00]: Closing remarks and apologies.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Max Tani (00:19): "What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much. Good stuff."

• Sam Stein (02:26): "This is about Alan Dershowitz and his maniacal need to create scenes on Martha's Vineyard every summer."

• Krem Meskovich (04:42): "To restore community and to ask you to sell me pierogi in the interest of keeping the island together."

• Unnamed Pierogi Vendor (05:33): "This man is calling me an anti Zionist."

• Sam Stein (13:45): "I texted Alan Dershowitz to ask him...he said, and I quote, not if the farmers market makes a rule requiring all sellers to sell to everyone."

• Alan Dershowitz (15:54): "I gotta be honest. A guy with those resources, that ability to draw media attention..."

Final Remarks

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides an in-depth look into the tumultuous relationship between Alan Dershowitz and the Martha's Vineyard community, using the pierogi confrontation as a focal point. Through candid discussions, analysis, and firsthand reporting, Sam Stein and Alan Dershowitz navigate the complexities of public disputes, media influence, and community dynamics.