clintons never turn down money, and billy never turns down a chance to be front-and-center...unless there is a personal price to pay.
He’s hiding out.
It's possible he had another major herpes breakout on his lips and face.
I don’t think commencement speakers are paid. With no money on the table, Clinton’s decision to walk away was a no brainer for him. No skin off his bulbous, red nose.
Well, now that I said that [commencement speakers don’t get paid], I know that that’s not altogether accurate.
Honoraria are indeed offered, but are often waived by the speaker or designated to some charity.
More to the point, was Clinton offered an honorarium and could he accept it? His wife’s presidential candidacy might have made that a sticky issue, considering his front and center campaign role and the conflation of their personal funds with campaign cash.