Politics

Michael Avenatti’s White House Dream Still Alive Despite Assault Allegations

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David Krayden Ottawa Bureau Chief
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Lawyer Michael Avenatti hasn’t ruled out a 2020 presidential run — despite being arrested Wednesday over an alleged domestic assault.

“I’m still considering it,” Avenatti told USA Today through a text message. (RELATED: Michael Avenatti Now A Firm Believer Of Due Process … For Himself)

The lawyer, who gained prominence for representing porn actress Stormy Daniels in her various alleged grievances with President Donald Trump, has been openly discussing his potential presidential candidacy of late.

He’s even picked up some prominent support from former Hillary Clinton strategists like “Ready For Hillary” Super PAC founder Adam Parkhomenko, who recently told POLITICO, “He’s absolutely the person I’m supporting in the 2020 primary, should he decide to run.”

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: (L to R) Adult film actress Stormy Daniels (Stephanie Clifford) and Michael Avenatti, attorney for Stormy Daniels, speak to the media as they exit the United States District Court Southern District of New York for a hearing related to Michael Cohen, President Trump's longtime personal attorney and confidante, April 16, 2018 in New York City. Cohen and lawyers representing President Trump are asking the court to block Justice Department officials from reading documents and materials related to Cohen's relationship with President Trump that they believe should be protected by attorney-client privilege. Officials with the FBI, armed with a search warrant, raided Cohen's office and two private residences last week. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels (Stephanie Clifford) and Michael Avenatti, attorney for Stormy Daniels, speak to the media as they exit the United States District Court Southern District of New York, Apr. 16, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Avenatti is also networking with former Bill Clinton White House counsel Jack Quinn and is using Roger Salazar for media relations, according to POLITICO. Salazar has experience in both the Bill Clinton administration and the Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign.

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea wave to the crowd at a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. Nov. 8, 2016. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea wave to the crowd at a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. Nov. 8, 2016. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

The Daily Caller reached out to Parkhomenko to ascertain whether his assessment of Avenatti remained the same after the lawyer’s arrest but did not receive a response by the time of publication. In an email to Quinn, inquiring about his current relationship with Avenatti, has gone unanswered as well.

Some liberal media may not be offering Avenatti their endorsements but Vox offered its assurance that he would make a worthy contender in the Democratic primary field of 2020.

In his comments to USA Today, Avenatti did not offer any more information on his legal problems except to say that his “first priority right now is clearing my name.” (RELATED: Michael Avenatti Blames Jacob Wohl For Assualt Allegations)

“I will not be intimidated,” Avenatti told USA Today. “The measure of a person is how they get up when they are knocked down.”

According to court filings obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation, Avenatti’s estranged wife, Lisa Storie-Avenatti, has described her husband as “emotionally abusive.”
Avenatti is out on $50,000 bail but denies being formally charged by the Los Angeles police. After his arrest, the lawyer was quick to scrum with reporters, telling that he was an “advocate” for women’s rights and therefore, “I have never struck a woman. I will never strike a woman.”
Police have yet to reveal the names of the alleged victim but say the person was visibly injured.

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