Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal on Friday stated that he doesn’t endorse Michael Avenatti for president.
Avenatti became known to the public when he represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her defamation case against the President and his former lawyer Michael Cohen. He announced on Thursday that he is interested in the presidency.
“I’m exploring a run for the presidency of the United States,” Avenatti told The Des Moines Register before speaking at the Democratic Wing Ding fundraiser, a top target for presidential contenders, in Iowa.
“I wanted to come to Iowa and listen to people and learn about some issues that are facing the citizens of Iowa and do my homework,” he added.
Blumenthal, in an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on Friday, said that he would not support Avenatti unless the attorney could demonstrate qualities beyond “showmanship.”
“I would not support Michael Avenatti for President of the United States,” Blumenthal said. “I’m not sure I would support him for any political office unless he could demonstrate knowledge of the issues.”
Blumenthal also appeared to take shots at Avenatti’s legal record on behalf of his client, Daniels, who alleges that Trump and Cohen defamed her by denying what she says was a 2006 affair with the President.
“He has done very well for his client, less so maybe on the legal front,” Blumenthal added.
Many have speculated that Avenatti is preparing a bid for the White House based on the number of his public appearances, both on behalf of Daniels and on unrelated issues. The attorney said Thursday that the Democratic Party needs a “fighter” to defeat Trump in 2020.
“I think there’s a huge appetite within the party for a fighter,” Avenatti added. “I think the party has yearned for a fighter — a fighter for good if you will — for a significant period of time. And for many, I’m probably seen as that individual.”
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