sell (someone, something, or oneself) as (something)
To portray or represent someone, something, oneself as a particular kind of person or thing, especially in order to gain the approval o acceptance of others. They sold this legislation as a huge overhaul the tax system desperately needed, but it never came close to He's always selling himself as some kind of tortured artist, but I think he's just being pretentious. You'll have to really sell her as the best possible candidate for the job if you want the committee to approve of your recommendation.
sell someone or something as something
to put someone or something up for consideration as something. The political party tried to sell the candidate as a responsible administrator. The sales force was told to sell the paint as the best available anywhere.