Avenatti tests southern 2020 waters with trip

COLUMBIA (AP) - Michael Avenatti says he isn't dead set on making a bid to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020. But the celebrity attorney and frequent critic of the president said that if his recent warm reception in South Carolina is any indication, he might be onto something.

In his first trip to the state, Avenatti met with attorneys in Columbia, brunched with local Democrats and attended fundraisers for candidates and county parties.

Most importantly, he introduced himself to South Carolina, home to the first southern primaries of 2020.

Avenatti told The Associated Press voters told him they see him as unafraid to challenge Trump. He's one of a handful of potential 2020 Democratic hopefuls to visit the state in the run-up to the 2018 midterm elections.