He is right.
I remember when Regan left office and went to Japan to give a speech.
The $$$ were astronomical! at a time when Japan was dominating our trade.
Made one wonder what all the money was for.
For giving a 1/2 hour speech?
Or,
Are the speeches given so the previously earned money can be paid.
Before that, I naively believed those old politicians gave speeches because
they were committed to the cause, and were trying to do good.
(Cut me some slack, I was 19 at the time. Still optimistic and innocent.)