Reply #29: DISTORTION. The NYT points out clearly Clinton did not ENDORSE. [View All]

[Merlin]

He said he was there "to give a speech, not a pitch."

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/07/technology/07search.html?oref=login

Clinton Calls Appearance a Speech, Not a Pitch
By SAUL HANSELL

Published: December 7, 2004

It may not have been the same as Bob Dole pitching Viagra, but Bill Clinton gave a speech yesterday that helped draw attention to a new product.

Mr. Clinton appeared last night at Tavern on the Green in New York as part of the introduction of an Internet search engine called Accoona. He spoke for about 10 minutes about the Internet and public policy.

Jim Kennedy, a spokesman for Mr. Clinton, said that the former president considered the appearance a speaking engagement, not a product endorsement.

Mr. Clinton, whose appearances can cost as much as $125,000 each, has made speeches in the past at events sponsored by private companies, but "as a matter of policy, President Clinton does not promote products and he has no plans to," Mr. Kennedy said.