Politicians are the same everywhere;)
The difference with the Chilean president is his obvious sincerity.
Exactly what my DH and I were discussing last night. I would hope that if I was a president, I would be as far away from the camera as possible, telling the press that this was not about me.
The Chilean president is riding this event to the highest popularity that he has ever enjoyed. To see him before a podium with virtually every man rescued is sickening.
You're right though ... politicians are the same everywhere and it ain't pretty.