4 things Michael Avenatti said in Des Moines (and 4 things Iowans said about him)

Brianne Pfannenstiel | The Des Moines Register

Show Caption Hide Caption Michael Avenatti exploring Presidential run at the Iowa State Fair Michael Avenatti exploring Presidential run at the Iowa State Fair

Michael Avenatti, the attorney representing adult film actress Stormy Daniels in her lawsuit against President Donald Trump, made another visit to Iowa Wednesday as he explores a possible run for president.

The lawyer-turned-cable-news-regular toured Marshalltown, which was recently struck by a tornado, with state Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown, and spoke to about 30 people at a reception for the County Iowa Democratic Elected Officials Association at the Iowa State Association of Counties Annual Conference. He is scheduled to attend a luncheon with county elected officials in Des Moines on Thursday.

"I’m going to talk to people to find out whether it makes any sense for me to consider this and at the same time raise money for Democrats," Avenatti said. "Because Democrats need money in connection with the midterms, and we need to take as many seats as we possibly can. So that’s why I’m here, and I anticipate coming back before the midterms."

Avenatti spoke for about 20 minutes and answered questions for another 20 minutes. Here's a look at what he told county officials — and what they had to say about him.

What Michael Avenatti said:

1. 'The question in 2020 is not who would make the best president'

"In 2016, the Democratic Party ran, in my view, the most qualified candidate to ever seek the office of the presidency of the United States. Ever. ... But the question in 2020 is not who would make the best president of the United States. ... The question is, 'Can the individual beat Donald Trump?' And as a party we need to be really, really honest with ourselves and each other when we answer that question."

2. 'I will not run' if Trump and Pence aren't on the ballot

"If Donald Trump resigns and does not run, and if Mike Pence does not run and resigns … I will not run. So people that say that this is about me wanting to become president of the United States or about ego or anything else, that’s just simply not true."

3. 'We should have fought like hell' on Merrick Garland

"We should have fought like hell to get an up-down vote on Judge Garland for the U.S. Supreme Court, and we didn’t. ... I would have shut the government down if I (wasn't) getting an up-down vote. ... I would have gone on a 50-state tour. I would have worked morning, noon and night and drummed up support among the American people to give me that up or down vote. I would have done any number of things. What I would not have done was sat back and allow the Republicans to effectively steal the seat and ultimately install their pick after the election."

4. 'I'm not going to accept any corporate PAC dollars'

"In the event that I decide to run, I’m not going to accept any corporate PAC dollars. I know some others that are thinking about running have said the same thing. But here’s the other thing I’m going to say: Anybody that runs for the presidency of the United States should refund any corporate PAC dollars they’ve received since January 1, 2016. It’s not enough to be a Johnny-come-lately on the issue ... "

What Iowa Democrats said:

1. Pat Gill, Sioux City

"I thought there was wow factor. But to stand there and answer all those questions for as long as he did and as thoroughly — the breadth of knowledge — very impressive. ... I am (taking him seriously as a potential candidate) now."

2. Kelly Spees, Fairfield

"I thought he was a very good speaker. And he’s got some very good points if he is planning on running for president. And if he decides to run, I think starting in Iowa’s a great position."

3. Mike Carberry, Iowa City

"I’ve seen him on television (as) the type of person that understands media and understands how to use media and social media just as good as our current president. And he can fight tit for tat. I expected that he would be a little bit shallow and more of a showman. But I asked him a question that was a combo question on climate change, renewable energy and the Koch brothers and Citizens United and he answered it all. I was happy with his answer. So he’s progressive enough for me."

4. Larry "Buck" Koos, La Motte

"I think he’s passionate about what he’s doing. I think he has a passion for what he believes in. that’s what I liked about him. ... I get this feeling he’s saying what he believes and he believes what he says."