The big question of the alleged Stormy Daniels affair is why this norm-shattering president has declined to simply confess the alleged picayune extramarital affair and instead allowed Daniels to dine out on the story for weeks on end, culminating in a ratings-busting appearance on 60 Minutes? Avenatti’s central theory is simple: Melania Trump. “My speculation has a lot to do with what he’s told his wife before, and likely denials he has provided to her concerning the relationship,” he said. “And then secondly, I believe it’s part of his larger modus operandi, whereby he attempts to rule with an iron fist. And he tends to rule with an iron fist, even before he became president. And his Stalin–esque way of dealing with opponents.”

It’s tempting to see the 60 Minutes interview as the apex of the Stormy Daniels moment. But Avenatti believes the story has only just begun. “The president may be able to fire [Robert] Mueller, but he can’t fire me or my client, and we’re not going anywhere,” he said…

Might they finally give up the ghost after Sunday?

“No, I think they’re going to double and triple down,” said Avenatti, “and I think it’s outstanding.”