In China, they're selling the White House

[LostInTheMaise]

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/7951952.htm

Chinese marketers evoke images of U.S. presidents to push a wide variety of products, ranging from beauty masks to diapers.

BY CHRISTOPHER BODEEN

SHANGHAI, China - The suit maker seeking Bill Clinton's endorsement hoped to harness the former president's ''worldwide charisma.'' The man behind Bush Diapers was playing with the president's Chinese name -- ''bu shi,'' which also means ''not wet.'' And then there's the ``Lewinsky dress.''

In Clinton's case, the ex-president was offered $2 million in November to endorse formal wear by Fapai Xifu, a small garment maker in the eastern city of Wenzhou. Company officials at the time cited Clinton's ''worldwide charisma.'' Clinton is still widely admired in China, as is former President Jimmy Carter, who opened diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1979.

''Our suits match Clinton's character and personality,'' said Wang Zhen, an official at Fapai Xifu Co.

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