Harper and the G8: Upholding his image

If you were to notice all the positive news coverage of Steven Harper's seen view on the G8's strategies, you would be out to give Mr. Harper a firm pat on the back. The important factor here is that Harper is not as out for change as he is to better/reform his image. When it comes down to it, as a realist, Mr. Harper would have the interests of Canadians in mind instead of committing to reinforce the G8's ideals. But appearing to be interested in such an idealistic problem will often help his cause. The biggest problem with this is that I believe it has an affect on a politician's credibility. If he is pledging to operate in our interests, he should stick to that. But who knows, it may be an easier way see to affirming our interests.
The concept of seeing to aid and reform in the third world is a noble one, but seen from a Machiavellian lens it shows how Mr. Harper values his image.
Reading the Globe and Mail article here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/stephen-harper-wants-g8-to-honour-past-promises-not-make-new-ones/article1447278/
It came to me that Harper has a few promises to keep on his own word, again, as Machiavelli would say, keep your image in shape, man!