It's nothing to do with "prestige", it's about return on investment. It's usually a payment for friendly behavior in the past, or to increase the likelihood of

It's nothing to do with "prestige", it's about return on investment. It's usually a payment for friendly behavior in the past, or to increase the likelihood of friendly behavior in the future (or to essentially tap into their personal network at some point in the future). Celebrities are bribed, they're called endorsements. Former presidents are worth less and less as they lose their connections. Their price tag depends on how much power they still wield....which is why Clinton and Obama still command high prices.