Avenatti For President? Stormy Daniels' Lawyer Greets Trump Supporters With Smiles, Selfies

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer representing porn star Stormy Daniels in the lawsuit against Michael Cohen, visited Iowa on Thursday and said in an interview he was considering running for the Oval Office in 2020.

“I’m exploring a run for the presidency of the United States, and 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," Avenatti told the Des Moines Register.

He also hinted in a recent tweet the Democratic Party should not repeat their mistake of hoping that a typical career politician would be able to beat President Donald Trump in 2020.

Avenatti is scheduled to speak at the Democratic Wing Ding fundraiser Friday night in Clear Lake along with presidential hopefuls, Rep. John Delaney of Maryland and entrepreneur Andrew Yang and potential candidate Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio.

It is the same event that hosted former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2015, both of whom emerged favorites in the Democratic primaries. Back in 2007, former President Barack Obama, then a presidential candidate, also spoke at the event.

In fact, Randy Black, this year’s event organizer told the Washington Post that Friday’s “Wing Ding” event was “selling tickets because of” Avenatti, who will get the top speaking slot, getting the last word after Ryan and Delaney.

However, many have criticized Avenatti of milking his recent popularity as the fearless lawyer who publicly speaks out against Trump’s policies by teasing a potential presidential run. However, Avenatti denied he was considering a possible White House run just to enhance his personal profile.

"I would never think to come to Iowa in order to use the state or the people of the state to raise my profile," he said. "And obviously if I do this, then I intend to work hard and I know that ultimately the trust of the citizens of Iowa is going to have to be earned."

"I think there’s a huge appetite within the party for a fighter. 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,” he added.

A day before his speech, Avenatti took the opportunity to roam around the Iowa state fair, interacting with the local people there and occasionally stopping for a selfie or two.

Earlier this week, Avenatti was in Ohio, delivering the keynote speech for the Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman’s Dinner. During his visit, Avenatti also warmly greeted a couple of protesters who showed up before his speech. In photos posted by Cleveland.com reporter Seth A. Richardson, the lawyer was seen going up to the Trump supporters and saying hello.

“There’s something about a leader who is happy to walk up to the opposition and engage,” said Pam Keith, a Democratic candidate for Florida’s 18th Congressional District told Hill Reporter. “I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

Avenatti is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at a reception for the County Iowa Democratic Elected Officials Association later this month.

"I would like to think people would take me seriously," he said. "And I think, hopefully, the message that I deliver tomorrow night will be well received by Iowa Democrats."