*By Max Godnick*
Nicki Minaj. Cardi B. Ariana Grande. Michael Avenatti?
Stormy Daniels's attorney made his debut on the pink carpet Monday night, appearing among the starlets at the MTV Video Music Awards. The high-profile lawyer was fresh off a trip to the political hotbed of New Hampshire, sparking more speculation that he will run for president in 2020.
"I'm gauging what the reaction is," Avenatti told Cheddar's Vanessa Freeman outside Radio City Music Hall in New York. "I'm listening to people, and I'm figuring out if this makes sense or not."
In the past few weeks, the lawyer has made conspicuous stops in three battleground states ー Florida, Iowa, and now New Hampshire ー after announcing earlier this month that he's ["seriously considering"](https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/10/politics/avenatti-in-iowa/index.html) a White House run.
"I haven't ultimately made a decision yet, but I'm encouraged," Avenatti said.
He issued his stances on several polarizing issues on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/MichaelAvenatti/status/1029385486958305280), echoing the Democratic party's views on everything from gun control to healthcare. At the VMAs, he said no child should forego a college education because of financing.
"We've got a lot of work to do," he said. "We can't afford another six years of this president."
When Cheddar asked Avenatti his pick for a second-in-command, he knew just the right choice.
"I think J.Lo would make a good running mate," he said. "She's very smart, and I think she knows how to bring it."
Jennifer Lopez was granted this year's VMA Video Vanguard Award for her accomplishments in the industry.
For full interview [click here] (https://cheddar.com/videos/which-vmas-pop-star-is-michael-avenatti-choosing-as-his-running-mate).
Ayman Mohyeldin, host of MSNBC Original Podcast 'American Radical,' joins Cheddar News to discuss how the podcast chronicles a woman's path to the insurrection.
Following the attack on the Capitol last year, several major corporations promised to no longer pour funds into the campaigns of Republican lawmakers who supported the January 6 insurrection. But not all have stood firm on their word. Among those that did keep to their promise were Nike, American Express, and Walgreens.
Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H. 2nd District) joined Cheddar's "Between Bells" to reflect on the January 6 insurrection and her personal experience in the Capitol when rioters attempted to overtake the House chamber. "What I now understand to be true is that the mob of rioters had reached the third floor and was literally in the hallway running toward us as we ducked into the elevator," she told Cheddar. Kuster recalled the fear she felt, wondering what might have happened if the insurrectionists crossed paths with her group. Kuster noted that she has since received therapy to help cope with the traumatic event. "A thousand acts of courage saved our life and saved our democracy," she said.
Andy Kroll, Washington bureau chief at Rolling Stone, joined Cheddar's Baker Machado to discuss the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection and how it could impact upcoming elections. Kroll talked about whether or not Trump's influence will aid Republicans in the midterms and how it could be a setup for the former president to run in the 2024 presidential election. "This day has become really almost a kind of cause for Republican base voters," he said. "And you're going to see that fueling some turnout, you're going to see that fueling, even, candidates running for office in these midterm elections."
According to a recent analysis from ProPublica and the Wall Street Journal an analysis of Facebook posts, internal company documents, and interviews reveal key evidence about the social media giant's role in January 6 insurrection. National Reporter at ProPublica Craig Silverman, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
AT&T and Verizon have agreed to delay activating their 5G services for two weeks after Airlines for America, a lobbying group that represents American, Delta, and other airlines, filed a petition last week with the FCC to stop the deployment of 5G in the U.S. over concerns that the network can interfere with certain systems on airplanes. President Biden spoke out about it, saying it would avoid further delays and cancellations of flights. Light Reading 5G and Mobile Strategies Director Mike Dano joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
On a day where the Dow and Russell 2000 each closed more than 3% lower, Melissa Armo, founder and owner of The Stock Swoosh, says Wednesday's big sell-off could extend into after-hours trading. She joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell for more.
The new year has just gotten underway, but the clock is already ticking for the Democratic-led Congress to pass bills regulating big tech. Evan Greer, Director for Fight For the Future, joins Cheddar News to explain why Democratic lawmakers would want to push legislation now, and what a Republican takeover would mean for the industry.
Americans looking to purchase at-home COVID-19 tests will now have to shell out a bit more money after an agreement expired between the White House and companies to sell the tests at cost. The price of Abbot's BinaxNow test kit from October to December was $14 apiece; on Tuesday, Walmart's website listed the test for $19.88, and Kroger listed the tests for $23.99. Carbon Health Regional Clinical Director Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss the impact higher prices will have as the nation experiences another surge in cases.
