Michael Avenatti, adult-film actress Stormy Daniels' lawyer and a vocal critic of the president, said on the 4th of July that he is considering a 2020 presidential run.
Avenatti has made a name for himself with numerous media appearances on behalf of Daniels, who said she received a $130,000 hush payment from Donald Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen regarding a sexual encounter she had with Trump in 2006. Avenatti's criticism of Trump has gone far beyond the matter with Daniels, and he said Wednesday he would be willing to run against Trump if no one who will "fight" enters the race.
"IF (big) he seeks re-election, I will run, but only if I think that there is no other candidate in the race that has a REAL chance at beating him. We can't relive 2016," he wrote on Twitter. "I love this country, our values and our people too much to sit by while they are destroyed."
IF (big) he seeks re-election, I will run, but only if I think that there is no other candidate in the race that has a REAL chance at beating him. We can't relive 2016. I love this country, our values and our people too much to sit by while they are destroyed. #FightClub #Basta
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 4, 2018
He also posted a New York Daily News cover depicting Trump as a clown and said "only a street fighter" could retake the White House for Democrats.
I always liked the Daily News! Be clear - only a street fighter has a chance at displacing the 'King." Otherwise, this country and its principles will be in pieces and non-recognizable. #FightClub #Basta pic.twitter.com/X3sSR81daZ
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 4, 2018
This echoes a previous tweet he made in June, which suggested a presidential run has been on the lawyer's mind.
Off topic – the candidate in 2020 better be a take no prisoners street fighter who is prepared to go 15 rounds in a VERY brutal campaign. It will be a cage match like no other in modern times. The future of the republic may depend on it.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) June 27, 2018
He went on to give some indication of how he may campaign by touting his position on several hot-button issues, such as abortion and immigration.
"Solidly pro choice. Would never nominate a justice to the SCOTUS who did not believe in Roe or who would seek to outlaw same sex marriage," he wrote. "Fully support equality for women & people of all races, & gay rights. We don't separate families at the border. And we don't kiss-up to Putin."
Solidly pro choice. Would never nominate a justice to the SCOTUS who did not believe in Roe or who would seek to outlaw same sex marriage. Fully support equality for women & people of all races, & gay rights. We don't separate families at the border. And we don't kiss-up to Putin
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 4, 2018
He also hit back at criticism that he may not have the "experience" to be win a presidential election.
"To those that claim that only a traditional politician with ‘experience’ can beat Trump, go back & look at the results from 2016," he wrote. "He beat all 15 of those candidates that he faced (crushed many). If we go down the same path and are not smart, don’t be surprised with the result."
To those that claim that only a traditional politician with "experience" can beat Trump, go back & look at the results from 2016. He beat all 15 of those candidates that he faced (crushed many). If we go down the same path and are not smart, don't be surprised with the result.
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 4, 2018
On CNN Wednesday, Avenatti said he would run if no one "competent" is in the race, and he touted his positions on both economic and social issues.
"I am interested in talking about ripping kids from the sides of their mothers," he said. "I am interested in having allies laugh at us around the world. I am interested in where all those jobs are that he promised Americans in key electoral states. I am interested in pro-choice and a whole host of other issues."
Avenatti has hit Trump on everything from Russian collusion to a prank phone call made to Air Force One, and he has maintained a contentious relationship with reporters. His cryptic comments about his asserted knowledge of Trump's past behavior would likely face further scrutiny were he to run for president.